Mpox, the next Pandemic

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, see photograph. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get mpox. It spreads from contact with infected persons, through touch, kissing, or sex, from animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them. From materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles or pregnant women, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.

If you have mpox:Tell anyone you have been close to recently. Stay at home until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms. Cover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other people. Avoid physical contact.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, spefica;lly South Kivu is the source of the present outbreak of mpox. MSF reports 17,500 cases with 517 deaths in 13 African countries, the WHO declared a public health emergency. Those vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine are immune. Mpox has been endemic in Central Africa and is now flaring up again. clade1b the current variant is infecting more women tan before and the virus is transmitted to infants during pregnancy. The HSE website provides information on how the disease spreads along with a counselling service. South Kivu with HIV endemic is suffering a civil war and a humanitarian crisis. the virus has spread to Goma in North Kivu where extreme population densities and sexual violence create a critical situation.

The Imvanex smallpox vaccine is highly effective in warding off mpox, supplies are criticall short.