The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox (mpox) a global health emergency in several regions. This outbreak has already claimed at least 450 lives during the initial outbreak in DR Congo. Given the situation, there are many warnings that an uncontrollable monkeypox outbreak could occur without timely solutions.
The Monkeypox (mpox) Situation is Becoming More Critical
Monkeypox (mpox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The disease has flu-like symptoms, and skin lesions, and can lead to death with a mortality rate of 4/100 cases. Currently, monkeypox has two main variants: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Public health status for monkeypox was declared once in 2022, but mainly due to Clade 2, which was relatively mild. This time, the primary variant is Clade 1, which is more deadly – having killed up to 10% of those infected in previous outbreaks and is increasing.
In Central and East Africa, monkeypox (mpox) is spreading rapidly. Especially since the emergence of the new variant – Clade 1b, which has a high transmission rate and extremely high mortality rate, health experts and the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Jean Kaseya, are concerned that the monkeypox outbreak could spiral out of control without immediate measures to contain it.
According to WHO data, as of July 2022, the Clade 2 variant of monkeypox (mpox) had spread to nearly 100 countries (including Europe and Asia), with over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths during the initial outbreak. In DR Congo alone, there have been more than 13,700 cases of monkeypox and at least 450 deaths since the beginning of 2024. The disease has also been detected in other African countries including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda.
WHO has now classified monkeypox (mpox) as “very concerning” and stated that “a globally coordinated response is needed to halt this outbreak” – said WHO Director General – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Routes of Monkeypox Transmission
Monkeypox (mpox) is transmitted through close contact, such as sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing near others. Additionally, the disease can spread from animals to humans.
Human-to-Human Transmission
There are 4 main ways monkeypox (mpox) can spread from person to person, including:
- Direct Contact with Wounds or Body Fluids: Touching rashes, sores, or body fluids of an infected person can spread the virus.
- Respiratory Droplets: The virus can spread through large droplets when coughing or sneezing, especially with close and prolonged contact.
- Contaminated Objects: Contacting items contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, personal items, or medical equipment, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can cause infection.
- Sexual Contact: Unsafe sexual intercourse with an infected person is also a transmission route.
Animal-to-Human Transmission
There are 2 main ways monkeypox (mpox) spreads from animals to humans:
- Direct Contact with Infected Animals: Contact with blood, body fluids, or wounds of infected animals can cause infection.
- Consuming Undercooked Wild Meat: Eating undercooked meat from infected wild animals can also cause disease.
Risk Factors Increasing Infection Chances
In addition to the above transmission routes, other risk factors increase the likelihood of monkeypox (mpox) infection, including:
- Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Those living with, caring for, or having sexual relations with infected individuals are at higher risk.
- Contact with Wild Animals: People working in laboratories, healthcare facilities, or living near forests are at higher risk of exposure to wild animals.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or using immunosuppressive medications, are at greater risk of severe illness.
Identifying monkeypox
Monkeypox (mpox) generally has symptoms similar to the old smallpox. However, monkeypox has some distinctive features, and individuals with this disease will typically show symptoms in two stages:
Early Stage:
- Fever: Often the first symptom, appearing before the rash.
- Headache, Muscle Pain, Back Pain: Fatigue, chills, and exhaustion.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: This is a distinct feature compared to regular smallpox; lymph nodes typically swell in the armpits, neck, or groin.
Rash Stage:
- Rash: Appears 1-3 days after fever. Initially red spots, then developing into blisters, bumps, and eventually scabs.
- Rash Locations: Often appears on the face, palms, soles, chest, genital area, or anus.
- Blisters: Typically deeper and rounder compared to chickenpox blisters.
Other Symptoms:
- Conjunctivitis: Red and swollen eyes.
- Oral Mucosal Lesions: Sores inside the mouth.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged and painful lymph nodes.
Notes on monkeypox:
- Incubation Period: About 5 – 21 days.
- Duration of Illness: Usually lasts 2 – 4 weeks.
- Symptoms May Vary: Some individuals may only have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
If you suspect you have monkeypox (mpox), contact a healthcare facility immediately for examination and advice to prevent spreading it to family, friends, and the community and to minimize unwanted risks.
Precautions for Nail Technicians and Factory Workers
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there have been no reported cases of monkeypox (mpox) in the U.S. from 2022 to now. However, due to the rapid spread of this disease, Vietnamese living in the U.S., especially nail technicians and factory workers who frequently interact with many people, should take precautions against monkeypox.
Some simple yet highly effective preventive measures include:
- Frequent Handwashing: Use soap and hand sanitizer.
- Wearing Masks and Gloves: When in contact with others.
- Regular Disinfection: Clean homes, shops, and tools regularly.
- Monkeypox Vaccination: Considered the most effective method.
- Health Monitoring: If symptoms of monkeypox (mpox) are observed, contact a medical center for prompt examination and treatment to prevent rapid spread.
Additionally, Vietnamese residents in the U.S. should consider having insurance policies such as health insurance, life insurance, etc., to be protected and ensure financial stability in case of health issues (not just monkeypox). Currently, the cost for life insurance policies like Term Life, IUL Secrets, etc., at Thinksmart Insurance is very affordable, ranging from $10 – $500 per month (depending on the program and health status), making it a worthwhile investment.
The above information highlights the alarming situation of monkeypox (mpox) being declared a global health emergency. Readers should be aware of the symptoms and preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. For questions or consultations, call the hotline at (678) 722 3447, message via Messenger, or email Support@Thinksmartinsurance.com.
