For most, if not all of us, the memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are still fresh in our brains. Much of the world is still recovering from the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the threat of the emergence of yet another viral, easily communicable disease emerges on the horizon. Is the world ready to deal with yet another highly infectious disease? Or are these fears simply unfounded and blown out of proportion?
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About Monkeypox.
Mpox (formally known as Monkeypox) is caused by a virus species in the genus Orthopoxvirus, which it shares with other viral pathogens such as smallpox and cowpox. Mpox is a zoonotic disease, which means that it is transmissible across animal species. The exact animal reservoir of the disease remains unknown, but it is thought that it may be carried by small mammals such as rodents, squirrels and monkeys (which is how it initially got its name).
The Monkeypox virus manifests in two main strains; Clade I and Clade II. Clade I is primarily found in Central Africa and is often more deadly. Clade II is often diagnosed in West Africa and is often less severe. Each of the variants is also characterized by sub-variants (Clade Ia and Ib, Clade IIa and IIb). Clade Ib and Clade IIb are known to have evolved from the original subvariants Clade Ia and IIa. Clade Ib is particularly responsible for a majority of Monkeypox cases being reported globally.
Humans can transmit the disease through close contact, contaminated objects and respiratory droplets.
Disease Symptoms.
- Skin rashes/lesions.
- Fever.
- Intense headaches.
- Sore throat.
- Muscle aches.
- Back pain.
- General body weakness.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms typically last for 2-4 weeks.
Mpox is survivable with medical intervention, and most victims often display mild symptoms. However, it can be deadly to victims with weakened immune systems, e.g. HIV patients who often display prolonged symptoms.
Vaccines and Control.
Unlike the COVID-19 virus, Mpox has been in the domain of knowledge for scientists and researchers alike, which has given them ample time to develop vaccines and medications that help in curtail the spread of the disease.
A Mpox vaccine can be administered to prevent or manage the disease. It should be administered in less than 4 days upon contact with an infected person, and for up to 14 days if the person does not develop any symptoms of the disease.
Kenya has 3 confirmed cases of Mpox, as of August 2024, with no fatalities recorded. Kenya’s Ministry of Health has since deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and has been quick to ramp up vigilance and screening, particularly on the country’s borders which are perceived as the main entry points of the disease into the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the widespread outbreak of the disease, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, classifying it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Burundi, DRC and Uganda are some of the hardest-hit countries in Kenya’s neighbourhood.
Global Prevalence.
Monkeypox was initially relegated to be a disease confined only to the underdeveloped regions of Western and Central Africa. Much like the Ebola virus, it is associated with the poor and ‘backward’ regions of Africa.
Monkeypox had to be renamed to Mpox to do away with the racially demeaning connotations associated with the name, especially given the disease’s supposed origins.
In recent years, however, Mpox has become a headache even in the developed world due to the emergence of a deadlier, more communicable strain that can be spread through sexual contact. The disease is especially prevalent within gay and male bisexual communities, seeing as it is mostly spread through person-to-person sexual networks. This particular strain of Mpox initially became widespread in 2022, when it was reported across the world from Europe to the Americas.
Infected persons are encouraged to seek medical attention and quarantine themselves until symptoms subside.
Several outbreaks of the disease have occurred over the years ever since the first human case was diagnosed in 1970. Sporadic outbreaks have been reported mostly in Africa, but have also occurred in places such as the United States. In 2003, several cases of the disease were reported across several states in the country, marking the first time that cases of the disease were recorded beyond Africa.
As of August 2024, 100,000 cases of the disease have been reported globally with 220 confirmed deaths. Many health experts warn that the number could be higher, especially given that extensive screening and testing is yet to be rolled out across much of the world. Many African countries also continue to languish, grappling with how to control the disease seeing as they lack access to vaccines and the requisite health and sanitation infrastructure required to bring the disease under control.
Despite being better equipped with knowledge about the disease, including vaccines to help control its spread, Mpox continues to expose the incapability of the global health system to handle another health epidemic. It is as if COVID didn’t teach us enough.
For comprehensive information on the symptoms, diagnosis and control of the disease, read the comprehensive publication on the World Health Organization website.
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