Monkey Pox: New Global disease of concern

By Dr.Akshat Jain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared monkeypox a global epidemic, emphasizing the need for immediate action and send a global alert for this disease that may reach international proportions. This declaration follows a significant increase in cases worldwide, affecting numerous countries across different continents. The WHO’s decision underscores the seriousness of the situation, urging nations to implement stringent measures to curb the transmission of the virus.

Understanding Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, like the one that causes human smallpox, though generally less severe. It primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets, and skin lesions. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing. Human to human transmission has been confirmed now in many countries and is the reason for this likely alert. 

Current Global Situation

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, stated, “The rapid spread of monkeypox across continents is deeply concerning. Our goal is to contain the virus before it becomes an even larger global health crisis.”

What we can do : 

Considering the WHO’s announcement, health authorities worldwide have been urged to intensify public health measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. The following are key recommendations:

• Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Avoid close physical contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox, such as fever, rash, and swollen neck lumps, flu like symptoms. This includes refraining from direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids. 
• Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is crucial in reducing the risk of infection. Disinfecting surfaces and objects that may have encountered an infected person is also recommended.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Health workers and caregivers should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and gowns, when dealing with suspected or confirmed cases of monkeypox. This helps to minimize the risk of transmission.
• Isolation of Infected Individuals: Infected individuals should be isolated from others to prevent further spread. Health authorities recommend self-isolation for those diagnosed with monkeypox until they are no longer contagious.
• Vaccination: The WHO has recommended vaccination for high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases. Vaccines initially developed for smallpox have shown effectiveness against monkeypox and are being deployed in some regions. During the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, the modified smallpox vaccine, Modified Vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic (MVA–BN), was used as a pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis for people at high risk of infection.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments are encouraged to launch public health campaigns to educate the public about monkeypox, its symptoms, and prevention strategies. Accurate information dissemination is critical to preventing panic and ensuring compliance with health guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that, based on past data collected in Africa, the smallpox vaccine is at least 85?fective in preventing monkeypox. The disease is milder than smallpox, so caution is advised but no reason for public panic is warranted.
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(Akshat Jain M.D., M.P.H., California, the author is a public health professional and practicing physician in USA. )