While the virus was identified in the 1950s and the 1970s, the endemic became a larger concern as it began spreading to non-endemic countries in 2022 - this included Europe, America, and Asia.
The Nightly
Just as the world started going back to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now declared the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The Emergency Committee’s advice to me, and that of the [Africa CDC], which yesterday declared a public health emergency of regional security, are aligned.
Although this may be the first time many are hearing of mpox, the virus was first identified all the way back in 1958. The first human case, however, was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This virus belongs to the same family as smallpox, though mpox is generally less severe.
While the virus was identified in the 1950s and the 1970s, the virus was largely dismissed as it was confined to Central and West Africa. However, the endemic became a larger concern as it began spreading to non-endemic counties in 2022 - this included Europe, America, and Asia.
It has been identified that the transmission of mpox is primarily through close contact. This means that the virus can easily be transmitted through touch, contact with infected animals, through materials such as contaminated sheets or clothing as well as from mother to fetus during pregnancy. One of the best ways to avoid the virus is to identify your symptoms and warn others if you have contracted the virus. Some of the common symptoms to look out for include:
In addition to staying wary and informing those around you regarding the virus, if contact with mpox it is necessary to take additional measures such as:
The declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread in our interconnected world. By understanding the virus’s origins, recognising its symptoms, and taking preventive measures, we can all play a part in controlling this outbreak and protecting public health.
