M-Pox, formerly known as monkeypox, has emerged as a significant global health concern, with its roots tracing back to 1958 when it was first identified in monkeys used for research. Despite its name, M-Pox is primarily a zoonotic virus that can jump from animals to humans, with rodents and other small mammals being the primary reservoirs. The disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus, responsible for smallpox. Though M-Pox shares some similarities with smallpox, it is generally less severe, with a lower mortality rate. However, recent outbreaks have demonstrated the virus's capacity to cause widespread concern, especially as it crosses borders and affects populations that previously had no exposure. M-Pox manifests with symptoms that can be mistaken for other viral infections, making early diagnosis challenging. The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, back pain, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. These initial symptoms are followed by the appearance of a rash, which starts as flat, red marks on the skin and progresses to raised bumps, then to fluid-filled blisters, and finally to pustules. These pustules eventually scab over and fall off. The rash often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, making it a distinguishing feature of M-Pox. The entire illness usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, and while most patients recover, severe cases can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections, respiratory distress, and, in some cases, death, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. There are two main strains of the monkeypox virus: the West African strain and the Central African (Congo Basin) strain. The West African strain is generally milder, with a case fatality rate of less than 1%, while the Central African strain can have a fatality rate of up to 10%, making it far more dangerous. The disease's geographic distribution was once confined to Central and West Africa, but recent outbreaks have seen M-Pox appear in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These outbreaks have raised concerns about the virus's potential to spread globally, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure may not be equipped to handle such outbreaks. M-Pox is transmitted primarily through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. In Africa, where the disease is endemic, people can contract the virus through hunting, handling, and eating bushmeat, particularly from animals like squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, and other rodents. Human-to-human transmission, although less common, can occur through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, direct contact with bodily fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact through contaminated clothing or linens. This mode of transmission is particularly concerning in healthcare settings or households where close contact with an infected person is more likely. In the wake of recent outbreaks, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies have issued guidelines to help contain the spread of M-Pox. These guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection, isolation of infected individuals, and strict adherence to hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for those caring for M-Pox patients. The use of smallpox vaccines has also been recommended, as they offer some cross-protection against M-Pox. In fact, studies have shown that the smallpox vaccine can be up to 85% effective in preventing M-Pox. However, the discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination following the disease's eradication has led to increased susceptibility in populations, particularly among younger people who have never been vaccinated against smallpox. Africa remains the epicenter of M-Pox outbreaks, with countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reporting thousands of cases annually. The DRC, in particular, has been heavily affected by the Central African strain of the virus, which is more virulent and has a higher mortality rate. The country’s fragile healthcare infrastructure, combined with widespread poverty, political instability, and ongoing conflicts, has made it difficult to control the spread of the virus. Many cases in the DRC go unreported or are misdiagnosed due to limited access to healthcare services and diagnostic tools. This underreporting exacerbates the spread of the virus, as infected individuals may not seek medical attention or isolate themselves from others. Nigeria has also experienced significant outbreaks of M-Pox, with the first major outbreak reported in 2017, marking the largest ever in West Africa since the virus was first identified. The Nigerian outbreak was caused by the West African ...
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Aug 14 202410 mins