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Dear Readers,Welcome to the latest issue of Microb
Previously referred to as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral virus that has been well recognized due to its resemblance to smallpox. The first recorded instance in humans was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970, however it was initially identified in 1958 in simians kept in a lab. From then on, it has mostly been limited to Central and West African countries but there have been outbreaks in some other parts of the world recently posing global health concerns.
It belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus and is caused by mpox virus. It is zoonotic hence transmissable from animals to humans. While rodents are primary reservoirs for the virus; direct contact with infected animals, respiratory droplets during face-to-face conversation or through contact with contaminated materials can also transmit it from one human being to another.
After an incubation period ranging between six and thirteen days, a rash usually appears one day to three days after fever begins on the face before spreading downwards on other parts of the body. The rash undergoes different stages ultimately leading formation scabs which fall off after several weeks.
Currently there are no specific treatments for mpox though supportive care might help relieve symptoms. Vaccinations against small pox offer some protection against mpox while antiviral drugs that were developed for smallpox may also be effective.
Preventive measures include avoiding animal contacts that may carry this virus, practicing good hygiene practices including using personal protective equipment when handling infected persons’. Public health strategies emphasize early identification, quarantining cases and tracing contacts as means to control outbreaks.
Several African nations have had endemic cases of MPX with occasional outbreaks posing significant challenges in health sector. In the recent past, there have been increased occurrences of these outbreaks both in terms of their frequency and magnitude partly due to waning immunity in populations no longer covered by smallpox vaccination campaigns.
In 2023, number of reported mpox cases spiked in various African countries resulting to swift intervention with intensified surveillance and response measures. The outbreaks have thus underscored the need for improved health care facilities, public awareness and vaccination strategies to curb disease transmission.
Also read:Analyzing the Mpox Outbreak in Africa: A Global Health Crisis in 2024
This has led to increased attention from around the globe as the incidences of mpox outside Africa continue rise thereby highlighting how interconnected global public health is. Collaborations and resource sharing remain vital in containing MPX as well as ongoing emerging infectious diseases challenges globally.
Global public health agencies are working towards improving worldwide surveillance systems, increasing diagnostic capabilities and ensuring that vaccines and treatments are available to all people regardless of where they live on earth. More research is needed on how this virus spreads, its dynamics with respect to transmission efficiency also considering interventions currently being used today.
Through continued vigilance combined with an informed citizenry we can minimize the impacts of mpox while enhancing public health at a global scale.
