By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Stay informed about the monkey pox Virus in South Africa as the country reports its second death. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and government actions.
What is the Mpox Virus ?
The Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus that causes smallpox. It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact with an infected person or animal, or through contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. Symptoms begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that progresses to pustules and scabs. While generally less severe than smallpox, Mpox can still lead to significant health complications and, in rare cases, death. The virus has historically been confined to Central and West African regions but has seen outbreaks in other parts of the world, prompting global health monitoring and preventive measures.
Mpox virus symtoms
Mpox virus symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These initial symptoms are followed by the development of a rash, which progresses through several stages macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and genitals. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. While most cases are mild, severe complications can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to secondary infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and in rare cases, death.
South Africa's health ministry has confirmed a second death from Mpox, previously known as monkeypox. A 38 year old man from KwaZulu Natal province tested positive and passed away the same day he was admitted to the hospital. This follows the death of a 37 year old man in Gauteng province on Monday, as reported by Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
The total number of confirmed cases in South Africa has now reached six, with four additional cases reported in Gauteng. All patients are men in their thirties, none of whom have traveled to countries experiencing an outbreak.
Mpox spreads through close contact, and while most cases are mild, symptoms start with fever, headaches, swelling, back pain, and muscle aches, eventually developing into a rash. The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency during a 2022 outbreak, which has since subsided, though low level cases continue to be reported in some countries.
Anyone who had contact with the deceased will be monitored for 21 days. The first human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, where the disease remains endemic.
How Mpox Spreads ?
Unlike COVID 19, which spreads through highly infectious droplets, Mpox is less transmissible and typically requires prolonged close physical contact. The virus can be contracted from touching infectious rashes, lesions, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread by touching items contaminated by an infected person.
Though Mpox DNA has been detected in semen, it's not confirmed that this is a primary transmission route. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 98% of infections between April and June 2022 were among men who have sex with men. However, this could be due to the virus spreading within a close knit community rather than being specific to that demographic.
Protecting Yourself from Mpox
Despite low public risk, here are some preventive measures recommended by the CDC, NHS, and WHO,
Avoid contact with infected individuals or those showing symptoms.
Wear a face mask if in close proximity to someone with symptoms.
Use condoms and be vigilant for symptoms if you've recently changed sexual partners.
Avoid contact with animals that could carry the virus, especially sick or dead animals known to be susceptible, like monkeys, rodents, and prairie dogs.
Practice good hand hygiene, washing with soap and water or using alcohol based hand sanitizer after contact with potentially infected animals or people.
Use personal protective equipment when caring for confirmed or suspected Mpox patients.
Ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.
These steps can help mitigate the risk of contracting Mpox, even as health officials work to monitor and contain its spread.
In response to the Mpox virus, South Africa has implemented several actions to manage and contain the outbreak. These measures include:
1. Enhanced surveillance and testing
The South African health ministry has increased surveillance and testing to quickly identify and confirm new cases of Mpox. This helps in tracking the spread of the virus and isolating infected individuals.
2. Public awareness campaigns
The government has launched public awareness campaigns to educate people about Mpox symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures. These campaigns aim to reduce panic and inform the public on how to protect themselves.
3. Quarantine and monitoring
who have been in close contact with confirmed cases are being monitored for a period of 21 days. Quarantine measures are enforced for those showing symptoms to prevent further spread.
4. Healthcare traning
Healthcare workers are being trained to recognize and treat Mpox cases effectively. This includes proper use of personal protective equipment to protect themselves and prevent nosocomial transmission.
5. Travel advisories
South Africa has issued travel advisories and guidelines to prevent the importation of the virus from other countries experiencing outbreaks.
6. Collaboration with international health bodies
South Africa is working closely with the World Health Organization and other international health bodies to stay updated on global trends and best practices for handling Mpox.
7. Vaccination and treatment
While specific vaccines and treatments for Mpox are still being evaluated, the South African health authorities are preparing to use available vaccines and antiviral treatments as part of their response strategy if necessary.
These combined efforts aim to control the spread of Mpox, treat those affected, and prevent future outbreaks.