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Decades of Neglect Lead to Mpox Outbreak, Warns WHO

Source link : https://info-blog.org/europe/spain/decades-of-neglect-lead-to-mpox-outbreak-warns-who/

Leading ‌African scientists have criticized the⁣ international community for neglecting the ⁤sporadic mpox‍ outbreaks in ​areas with limited immunity. They believe that this negligence has contributed to a‍ significant increase in the virus across Africa. Dr. ​Dimie Ogoina, chair of WHO’s mpox emergency ‌committee, highlighted how a new,‍ more contagious strain of the⁢ virus⁤ has ‌spread unchecked in countries that struggle to control such outbreaks.

Unlike previous occurrences, where mpox mainly‍ affected ⁢gay and bisexual men, this current wave is being transmitted through⁢ sexual contact and⁢ close ⁢interactions among children, pregnant women,⁢ and other vulnerable groups. This puts Africa’s predominantly young population at ⁤high​ risk since most people over 50 may have some immunity due to past smallpox vaccinations.

The impact of⁢ mpox has been​ most severe in Congo, where 94 percent of the reported cases have‍ occurred and ⁣where nearly 70 percent of infections were among children under 15 years old. Congolese scientist ⁢Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni warned about the challenges in diagnosing this‍ new strain ⁤which is more transmissible but potentially less deadly ​than previous strains.

What measures are crucial for preventing and ‌controlling a potential Mpox‌ outbreak?

Title: Decades ‍of Neglect Lead to Mpox Outbreak, Warns WHO

Meta Title:‍ WHO Warns of Mpox Outbreak Due to Decades of Neglect | ⁤Stay Informed

Meta Description: Learn about the Mpox outbreak warned by WHO due to decades of neglect. Discover ​the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Mpox in this ‌comprehensive article.

Decades ⁤of Neglect Leads ‌to Mpox Outbreak: What⁤ You ⁤Need to Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued⁣ a warning⁣ about a potential Mpox⁣ outbreak, citing‍ decades of neglect as the primary cause for concern. Mpox, a highly contagious viral infection, poses a ‌significant public ⁤health threat and can have severe consequences if not addressed promptly​ and effectively.

The Mpox virus ‌has been largely overshadowed by other infectious diseases in recent years,⁤ leading to a lack of resources and​ attention towards ⁤its prevention and control. As a result, the conditions for‌ a potential Mpox outbreak have been allowed to manifest, creating a dangerous ‍situation that requires immediate⁣ action ​from healthcare authorities and the general public.

Causes ⁣of Mpox Outbreak

Several factors have contributed to the potential Mpox outbreak, including:

Decline in⁢ vaccination rates: Vaccination rates ​against Mpox have declined in recent years due to misinformation and vaccine skepticism, ​leaving many‍ individuals susceptible to the virus.

Insufficient surveillance and control ‍measures: The ⁢lack⁢ of effective ⁤surveillance and control measures for ⁢Mpox has allowed the virus to⁢ persist‌ and⁣ spread within​ communities, increasing ​the risk of ⁢an outbreak.

Limited public health infrastructure: Inadequate public health infrastructure in certain regions has ​hindered ⁢the ⁢ability ‍to detect ⁤and‍ respond to Mpox outbreaks, leaving populations vulnerable​ to the virus.

Symptoms⁤ of Mpox

Mpox‍ presents​ with⁢ a range of symptoms, including:

High fever
Rash
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms can be particularly severe in infants, ⁤pregnant women,⁢ and⁤ individuals with weakened immune ⁢systems, making⁢ it essential to identify and address Mpox cases promptly to prevent further transmission.

Prevention and Control Measures

To prevent a potential ⁢Mpox outbreak and mitigate its impact, the⁣ following measures are‍ crucial:

Vaccination: Maintaining high vaccination ⁣rates⁢ against Mpox is essential for preventing the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations.

Surveillance and⁢ monitoring: Enhancing surveillance and monitoring of Mpox cases can help identify outbreaks early and implement targeted interventions to‍ contain the virus.

Public education and awareness: Educating ‍the public about the importance of Mpox vaccination, recognizing symptoms, and seeking medical attention can help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce⁢ the risk of an outbreak.

The role of Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare organizations have a vital role ‍to play ⁢in addressing the Mpox ⁣threat by:

Advocating for increased⁢ vaccination coverage
Implementing effective surveillance ⁢and monitoring systems
Providing accurate information and ⁣resources to ⁣the ⁤public
Supporting research and development of Mpox prevention and control⁤ measures

The Importance‌ of Global Cooperation

Mpox knows no ​borders⁢ and‌ can⁣ easily spread​ across countries ​and continents. Therefore, global cooperation​ and coordination are essential in addressing the potential Mpox outbreak‌ and preventing⁢ its further ⁢spread. Collaborative​ efforts between countries, international health organizations, and stakeholders are ⁣crucial⁢ for implementing effective control measures and ensuring a timely response to any⁢ Mpox outbreaks.

Conclusion

The warning issued by WHO ‌regarding​ the⁤ potential Mpox outbreak​ serves as ⁢a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting infectious diseases. ‍It is imperative for healthcare authorities, policymakers, and the⁤ public to ​take proactive steps to prevent ‌and control Mpox, ensuring the health and‍ well-being of communities⁤ worldwide.

By prioritizing vaccination, surveillance, ‍and​ public awareness, the threat of‍ Mpox can be ⁢mitigated, and the‌ potential for an ‌outbreak ​significantly reduced. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of neglect and take concerted⁢ action ⁣to protect against Mpox and other infectious diseases.

The time to act is now, and by staying informed⁢ and proactive, we can collectively prevent the Mpox outbreak and safeguard public health for generations to come.
Marion⁤ Koopmans, ⁤a virus expert at‍ Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands ⁤emphasized the heartbreaking consequences that mpox is having on⁢ vulnerable ⁤groups such as pregnant⁢ women who‌ are miscarrying or giving birth ‍to infected babies.

While Spain has announced its intention to donate some of its vaccine stockpile to African countries battling these outbreaks,‍ there still ⁤hasn’t been effective distribution or ⁢deliveries made yet from various parts of Europe and‍ Japan despite commitments from different governments⁢ and vaccine manufacturers.

As efforts ‍continue towards finding an effective means for containing this⁤ outbreak through vaccines or treatments, it’s​ crucial​ that African health workers focus on⁣ supportive care including providing adequate‍ nutrition and mental health support for patients who often face discrimination due to their condition according to Dr. Ogoina .

The post Decades of Neglect Lead to Mpox Outbreak, Warns WHO first appeared on Info Blog.

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Author : info-blog

Publish date : 2024-08-28 05:54:03

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