WHO issues highest alert level for monkeypox

The World Health Organization has issued its highest alert level for monkeypox in Africa amid a rapid increase in cases in the country.

Monkeypox spread throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo before spreading to other countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo was where the virus was first detected in humans in 1970.

Illustration photo.

According to the Africa CDC, from January 2022 to August 4, the continent had 38,465 cases of Mpox and 1,456 deaths. Affected countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Uganda and Kenya.

In July 2022, WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and reaffirmed this status in November 2022 and February 2023.

In May 2023, WHO lifted the PHEIC for monkeypox. A PHEIC is the highest level of alert that WHO can issue, allowing for emergency responses in countries around the world under the legally binding International Health Regulations.

According to medical experts, typical symptoms of monkeypox are: fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, rash that can look like blisters appearing on the face, inside the mouth or on other parts of the body such as hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. The disease can heal itself within 2-3 weeks.

The disease is transmitted directly through close contact with an infected person (contact with bedding, clothes, towels, secretions, respiratory droplets, rubbing, scratched skin, sexual intercourse, etc.).

Monkeypox is transmitted mainly from person to person by direct contact with monkeypox rashes, sores, or scabs; sexual contact of any kind; or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox;

Hugging, massaging, kissing; close contact with respiratory droplets or oral fluids of a person with monkeypox; contact with surfaces used by a person with monkeypox or personal items of the sick person such as clothes, bedding, towels, eating utensils, etc.

In Vietnam, previously, to proactively prevent monkeypox in our country, the Ministry of Health issued recommendations. Specifically, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth, handkerchief, disposable tissue or sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions;

Wash your hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer immediately after coughing or sneezing. Do not spit in public places. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer.

People with symptoms of acute rash of unknown cause accompanied by one or more suspicious symptoms should proactively contact a medical facility for timely monitoring and consultation. At the same time, they should proactively self-isolate and avoid sexual intercourse.

Avoid close contact with people with monkeypox. Avoid direct contact with wounds, body fluids, droplets, and contaminated objects and utensils.

In case there is someone at home/workplace who is infected or suspected of being infected, it is necessary to notify the medical facility for timely advice and treatment, do not self-treat.

People traveling to countries where monkeypox is endemic (Central and West Africa) should avoid contact with mammals (dead or alive) such as rodents, marsupials, and primates that may contain monkeypox virus. When returning to Vietnam, they should proactively report to local health authorities for advice.

Ensure food safety, practice a healthy lifestyle, increase physical activity, and improve health.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/who-cong-bo-muc-canh-bao-cao-nhat-voi-dau-mua-khi-d222507.html