By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – Minister of Health (MoH) Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane, releases the official statement regarding the Mpox previously known as a Monkey Pox.
Mpox is a contagious illness that results from the monkey pox virus. It has the potential to result in a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While most individuals make a complete recovery, some experience severe illness.
He states that Lesotho is 46% ready to fight against Mpox while the African Region is 52%. In the country, 200 health workers are given more knowledge as they face this crisis. Health partners are aware about it and they are working together.
In South Africa, there are several reported cases: Gauteng (12 individuals infected and 1 dead), Western Cape (one person is infected) and Kwazulu- Natal (11 individuals affected and two dead).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) report states that Dr Tedros Adhanom’s declaration came on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts who met earlier in the day to review data presented by experts from WHO and affected countries.
The Director-General will share the report of the Committee’s meeting and, based on the advice of the Committee, issue temporary recommendations to countries.
In declaring the PHEIC, Dr Tedros said, the emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it is clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.
Dr Tedros declares based on advice from an IHR Emergency Committee of experts who met to review data from WHO and affected countries. The Committee notified the Director-General that it views the increase in mpox cases as a PHEIC, with the possibility of spreading to more African countries and potentially beyond the continent.
WHO states that the multi-country mpox outbreak resulted in 99,176 confirmed cases. The WHO is planning to create mpox control and elimination strategies for 2024-2025 in the Strategic Framework for Enhancing Prevention and Control of mpox 2024-2027.
Any person is susceptible to getting mpox. It is transmitted through contact with those who are infected individuals, by means of physical contact, kissing, or sexual activity Animals, while being hunted, skinned, or cooked items, like infected linens, garments, or syringes and expectant individuals, who have the potential to transmit the virus to their developing fetus
If you possess it inform anyone you have been in close contact with recently and remain indoors until all scabs have dropped off and a fresh layer of skin has developed. Put a bandage over sores and use a properly fitting mask when in the presence of others.
To prevent a global it epidemic, it is important to prioritize equitable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines for all individuals while focusing efforts in the affected area. Additionally, family members returning from DR Congo or nearby countries with symptoms should seek medical help promptly and refrain from contact with children to minimize the risk of household transmission.
It is also advised to avoid indirect contact with children, such as through contaminated items, to further reduce transmission risks. Furthermore, it could be beneficial to have environmental monitoring systems in place to detect clade at an early stage within countries. For instance, wastewater monitoring serves as a valuable, efficient, and robust tool that can help public health officials make informed decisions nationwide.
The Mpox virus is a serious health concern, so following guidance from the WHO will help Lesotho protect its citizens and maintain public health. Symptoms of it typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Later, a rash can appear on the skin.
It is transmitted from person to person through close contact, such as touching bodily fluids or respiratory droplets from an infected person. Vaccinate if you are at high risk for contracting it, getting vaccinated can provide an extra layer of protection. Self-isolation if you suspect you have been exposed to the virus or are showing symptoms, self-isolate and seek medical attention immediately.
WHO raises the awareness about the risk of getting mpox from animals can be reduced by avoiding unprotected contact with wild animals, especially those that are sick or dead (including their meat and blood). In countries where animals carry the virus, any food containing animal parts or meat should be cooked thoroughly before eating.
It also recommends that, “the clinicians should report suspected cases immediately to relevant public health authorities. Probable and confirmed cases of mpox should be reported to WHO through IHR national focal points (NFPs) as early as possible, at least once monthly, including a minimum dataset of epidemiologically relevant information, in line with Article 6 of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the mpox standing recommendations issued by the WHO Director-General (August 2023).”