The World Health Organisation {WHO} has recently announced the outbreak of Monkeypox. According to a statement from the WHO, released last Friday, the recent outbreaks were unusual in that they were occurring in countries where the disease was not endemic.
the United Kingdom’s Health Service, has defined Monkeypox, a rare viral infection which is usually mild and from which most people recover in a few weeks. The virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the wider public is said to be very low.
It is not yet clear why this unexpected outbreak is happening now. One possibility is that the virus has changed in some way, although currently there is little evidence to suggest this is a new variant.
Another explanation is that the virus has found itself in the right place at the right time to thrive.
The WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, has warned that “transmission could accelerate” during the summer season, as people gather for festivals and parties.
This warning is timely and one of the most proactive actions taken so far by the WHO, to put countries on alert, so as not to repeat the scourge of Covid-19.
The number of infections recorded so far, although is manageable, should send jitters down the spine of authourities across the world.
More than 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in at least 12 countries.
Another 50 suspected cases are being investigated – without naming any countries – and warned that more cases are likely to be reported.
Accordingly, this Newspaper shares in the warning of WHO, as another outbreak a viral disease in the world will have dire consequences. In our opinion, every effort should be made to prevent the spread of this disease.
What is Monkeypox
Similar to Smallpox, but less severe and less infectious.
Symptoms
Fever, headaches, swellings, aching muscles, and exhaustion.
Itchy rash and lesions-mainly on face, hands and feet
How is it spread?
Close contact with an infected person or animal
Touching clothing or bedding used by someone with rash
Treatment
Smallpox vaccine and antiviral drugs can help relieve symptoms of monkeypox
The ministry of Health and its allied agencies, should create more awareness of this virus in the rural areas and places where more awareness is needed. Furthermore, the government should make available resources to enable the country control the spread should we record any infection.
