From Editor’s Desk…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the mpox outbreak in certain parts of Africa a public health emergency of worldwide significance. During an early outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 450 individuals were killed by the highly contagious disease, which was formerly known as monkeypox. It has now expanded over central and eastern Africa, and scientists are concerned about the rapid development of a new version of the disease, as well as its high mortality rate.
Mpox is spread through close contact, which includes intercourse, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing near to another person. It causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be devastating, with four in every 100 cases resulting in death. Over 13,700 cases of mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the beginning of the year, with at least 450 deaths. It has also been found in Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda and recently in Sweden.
Vaccines can be used to prevent diseases and control outbreaks, but they are often only available to persons who are at risk or have had close contact with an infected person. According to the World Health Organization, certain antivirals and vaccinations developed for smallpox can also be used to treat Mpox.
Dr. Khalid Mohammed Alabdulwahhab
Editor in Chief
Key words: Editorial
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