Mpox: congo, other African countries to start Vaccinations
- The recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of ongoing Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa as a global emergency
Highlights:
- With cases being detected outside Africa, such as the new form found in Sweden, concerns are growing about the potential for further transmission. However, while the situation is serious, it is unlikely that Mpox will trigger another pandemic like COVID-19.
Understanding Mpox and Its Transmission
- Mpox is a viral infection primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated materials like clothing or bedding. The visible skin lesions caused by Mpox often act as a deterrent to close contact, which reduces the virus's transmission compared to airborne diseases like COVID-19.
Risk of a Global Spread
- The risk of Mpox becoming a global pandemic is low. Experts, including those from Europe’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, indicate that while imported cases from Africa to Europe are likely, the chances of large-scale outbreaks outside of areas with ongoing transmission are minimal.
Prelims takeaway:
- WHO
- Mpox