An extremely rare disease with epidemiology in parts of the African continent, monkeypox has hit worldwide headlines yet again… but this time, with a more profound threat as it reveals incidences across a global scale.
With news of cases – albeit, isolated and sparse – spreading to parts of Europe, the Americas, Australia, Africa and even the GCC, the virus has spread beyond its endemic regions for the first time as per reports.
As of May 19, 2022, some 100 cases have been reported in nearly 20 countries where monkeypox is not endemic.
This includes the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Canada, and the United States.
What is Monkey Pox?
Monkeypox is a mild virus that is also a less severe cousin of the Small Pox that had witnessed some 250 cases in 16 countries prior to the current breakout. Experts state that the virus spreads through close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is of public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus.
However, monkeypox is less transmissible than smallpox. Monkeypox, as per the CDC, was first identified in 1958 and occurs primarily in Central and West African countries.
In a media roundup today, Rosamund Lewis, the head of the smallpox secretariat, WHO Emergencies programme, was quoted as saying: “The countries that are reporting monkeypox now are countries that do not normally have outbreaks of monkeypox.”
What are the symptoms?
While cases are rare, it is important to know that symptoms of monkeypox can be similar to that of smallpox.
Symptoms, as per the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) can begin with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
With an incubation period between 7 to 14 days, the illness can last for 2 to 4 weeks.
The CDPH states: Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the infected patient can develop a rash that progresses from being red and flat to a bump, to being water-filled, to being pus-filled, to being a crust, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body (like the extremities and genital areas).
How to prevent the disease?
As per the WHO, prevention begins by:
- Isolating the infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection
- Practising good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans
- Avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus
- Avoiding direct contact with any materials, such as bedding or laundry, that have been in contact with a sick animal or patient. (Monkeypox virus can be killed with standard washing machine with warm water and detergent.)
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients, which includes gowns, gloves, respirator, and eye protection.
Does It Pose A Threat In Oman?
The Sultanate of Oman, ad per an Oman News Agency Report, has affirmed that it has not detected any suspected or confirmed cases of monkeypox.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Health today also said that the Sultanate is regularly monitoring the epidemiological situation, locally and abroad.
The Ministry has urged citizens and residents to take necessary precautionary measures to avoid the risks of infection. It cautioned against direct contact with any person who shows morbid respiratory symptoms, particularly persons arriving from countries that reported positive cases.
The ministry also underlined the need to wear face masks and maintain hand hygiene, once a suspected case is detected in the social surroundings.
It also stated: “Members of the public are advised to get information and updates from official sources and avoid following rumours or wrong information.”
