Monkeypox in Pakistan – How to prevent Mpox?

The post-COVID era has been a nightmare for many. Be it the economical situation, weakened immune systems, or the overall health situation, everything has been changed after COVID. The world is not ready to face another viral disease but it looks like we are on the verge of another viral disease, i.e., Monkeypox (Mpox).

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is similar to the one that causes smallpox but is generally less severe. The disease was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, which is how it got its name. However, it mainly spreads to humans through contact with infected animals, especially rodents, and sometimes from one person to another.

Whats Important About Monkeypox?

Symptoms:

The symptoms of monkeypox are like those of smallpox but are usually milder. They often include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. A few days after the fever starts, a rash appears, usually beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash turns into raised bumps, which then fill with fluid before drying up and falling off.

Transmission:

Monkeypox can spread to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin sores of infected animals. It can also spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, or touching contaminated items.

Geographic Spread:

This disease is mainly found in Central and West African countries, where it is common. However, there have been occasional outbreaks in other parts of the world, often linked to travelers returning from these regions.

Prevention and Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the smallpox vaccine can offer some protection. Treatment mainly involves supportive care and managing complications. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with animals that may carry the virus, practicing good hygiene, and isolating infected individuals to prevent the spread.

Monkeypox has gained international attention in recent years due to outbreaks outside of Africa, leading to increased efforts to monitor and control its spread.

How to avoid Monkeypox?

To avoid Monkeypox (Mpox), yous should follow these preventive measures:

• Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans, especially through contact with infected animals like rodents or primates. Avoid handling animals that are sick or have unexplained skin lesions.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with animals or people who may be infected.
• Avoid Contact with Infected Individuals: Monkeypox can spread from person to person through close contact, such as touching the sores or body fluids of an infected person. Avoid close physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, including rashes or skin lesions.
• Use Protective Equipment: If you are caring for someone with monkeypox or working in an environment where you might be exposed, use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns.
• Avoid Contaminated Items: Do not share bedding, clothing, or other personal items with someone who is infected. The virus can survive on surfaces and spread through contaminated materials.
• Practice Safe Travel: If you are traveling to an area where monkeypox is common, take extra precautions, such as avoiding contact with wild animals and being aware of any local outbreaks.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with information from health authorities about monkeypox outbreaks and follow any guidance provided.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of contracting monkeypox and help prevent its spread.

Monkeypox Recent Outbreak:

3 days ago from today, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the rise in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This decision follows the advice of an Emergency Committee, which warned that the mpox outbreak could spread further within Africa and possibly beyond. The Director-General emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to stop the spread of the disease and save lives.

The PHEIC determination is driven by the emergence of a new strain of the virus, clade 1b, which is spreading rapidly in the DRC and neighboring countries. With over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year in the DRC alone, WHO is ramping up efforts to support affected countries through coordinated action, vaccine distribution, and funding. The organization has released initial emergency funds and is calling for more financial support to address the outbreak effectively.

Recent Cases of Monkeypox in Pakistan:

3 cases of Monkeypox reported in Pakistan so far by the authorities but they were unable to tell the exact variant. One of these cases were reported in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government authorities are working hard to stop Mpox from spreading but it is our responsibility too to take precautionary measurements.

Monkeypox Vaccination in Pakistan:

Till now, Pakistan does not have a widespread monkeypox vaccination program, as the disease has not been a significant public health threat in the country. However, given the global attention to monkeypox outbreaks, especially in regions outside Africa, Pakistani health authorities are likely monitoring the situation closely.

In countries where monkeypox is more prevalent or where outbreaks have occurred, vaccines developed for smallpox, such as the JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 vaccines, have been used to protect against monkeypox due to the similarities between the two viruses. While these vaccines are not specifically available in Pakistan for monkeypox prevention, those traveling to regions with ongoing outbreaks might seek advice from healthcare professionals regarding preventive measures.

If monkeypox cases were to rise in Pakistan or if there were a significant risk of an outbreak, it is possible that the government might consider introducing vaccines, particularly for high-risk groups. For now, the focus remains on monitoring, awareness, and preventive measures like avoiding contact with potential carriers of the virus and maintaining good hygiene practices.