A sudden upsurge of Mpox (monkeypox) in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shows that yet another pandemic might be inevitable. According to the World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom, it is likely that Mpox can spread through the world, affecting millions of people, similar to the previous COVID-19 pandemic.
What exactly is Mpox? Mpox is a disease spread through close contact and usually results in painful rashes, back pain, large lymph nodes, and fatigue. The disease can also cause lesions on the hands, feet, face, mouth, throat, and sexual organs. Mpox has been classified as zoonotic, meaning it spreads throughout animals and humans. The primary virus that causes the disease originates in the monkeys and rodents of Africa, hence the name. Fortunately, the viral disease has two solutions: a vaccine to prevent infection and antiretroviral therapy as a successful treatment.
Additionally, Mpox has two subsections: Clades I and II. Associated with higher severity, Clade 1 originates in the Congo Basin. The rashes are severe and spread through human contact. According to the CDC, about 10% of people have died from this version of Mpox. Clade II, however, is associated with the announced global outbreak as it spreads internationally.
But does this disease have the potential to be another COVID-19 situation? With this given situation, researchers are hopeful that Mpox will not be as severe as COVID-19 once was. However, at the same time, according to UC Davis Health, “more than 18,000 cases have been reported, along with 600 deaths”. With these horrific statistics, it becomes increasingly important for each individual to partake in preventive measures to help stop the spread of Mpox. Washing hands frequently is the best way to prevent any infectious disease, and it is also significant to avoid contact with infected people and surfaces. Stay away from people that have Mpox-like rashes if possible. If one is affected, they must isolate until recovery. Preventative measures can only happen if everyone partakes, so we must take steps to stop the disease from spreading as much as possible.
Works Cited
“What Is Mpox, Previously Called Monkeypox, How Does It Spread and How Can It Be Prevented?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 June 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/monkeypox-faq/faq-20533608#:~:text=Avoid%20handling%20clothes%2C%20sheets%2C%20blankets,an%20infected%20person%20or%20animal.
“Mpox.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
“About Mpox.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Sept. 2024, www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.html#:~:text=Mpox%20is%20not%20related%20to,that%20live%20in%20these%20areas.
Tomiyoshi, Tricia. “What You Need to Know about the Latest Mpox Outbreak.” News, UC Davis Health, 6 Sept. 2024, health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-mpox-outbreak/2024/09.