Mpox 101: Guide to Understanding the Virus

 

WHAT IS MPOX?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions. This illness is caused by two strains of the monkeypox virus (MPXV), identified as Clade I and Clade II.

Until 2022, Mpox was primarily reported in Central Africa (Clade I) and West Africa (Clade II), where the virus is endemic. Cases outside these regions were usually linked to travel or exposure to imported animals. Common symptoms include:

a. Skin rashes
b. Fever
c. Muscle pain
d. Headaches
e. Back pain
f. Swollen lymph nodes
g. Fatigue or significant weakness

According to the Ministry of Health, the virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. It can also spread via contaminated materials or environments. Additionally, animal-to-human transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, fluids, or skin lesions.

SPREAD AND RISK FACTORS

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported over 15,600 potential cases and 548 deaths from Mpox since the beginning of the year. Some cases have also emerged in other African nations, as well as in countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Sweden.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung  highlighted that the current risk of Mpox in the country remains low, mainly due to the lack of direct flights to the African regions where the virus is most prevalent. However, health officials remain cautious, as the virus is expected to spread to Europe and the Middle East. As of August, Singapore had reported 13 cases of the less severe Clade II, which typically spreads through close contact.

SCREENING AND PRECAUTIONS

Singapore has implemented strict measures to contain the virus, similar to those seen during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 23, travelers and crew arriving at Singapore’s international airports from regions at risk of Mpox outbreaks will undergo temperature and visual screenings. The same measures will apply at sea checkpoints for those arriving by ship from affected areas.

PREVENTION AND FURTHER ACTION

A newer variant of the virus, Clade Ib, is showing a higher transmission rate, especially among children, through close contact. Global concerns have risen due to this new strain emerging in Central Africa, which appears to spread more easily through routine human interaction. This new variant has a mortality rate of about four percent, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. The goal is to prevent another widespread lockdown or other unpleasant effects similar to those experienced during the pandemic.

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Although the risk of Mpox spreading in Singapore remains low, increased vigilance is essential. If you are at high risk, frequently wash your hands and wear a face mask in crowded, indoor spaces. Continuing to seek medical care for skin lesions and following infection prevention measures, as mentioned, are crucial to preventing further spread of the virus.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

 

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Singapore’s Total Number of Monkeypox Cases Grew to Four

Infection with the monkeypox virus causes the rare disease called Monkeypox. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus, and cowpox virus. This disease, which can cause serious skin rash, appears to be spreading via direct contact with the skin or saliva of an infected person.

LOCAL SPREAD

On July 8, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported one more imported case of Monkeypox in the country. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to four since June. The country’s Monkeypox cases consist of one local infection and three imported ones. The fourth case is a 30-year-old patient who lives in Singapore and had recently returned from Germany.

The man experienced rashes in the groin area last June 30 and had a fever a week later. He sought medical treatment and was taken to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases on July 7. He tested positive for monkeypox on July 8 and is currently in a stable condition, according to MOH. Contact tracing is ongoing.

CURRENT SITUATION IN AFRICA

Health authorities in Africa are treating its expanding Monkeypox outbreak as an emergency. To avoid the immense problems seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are exhausting their resources and are asking for other leaders to share the world’s limited supply of vaccines.

Monkeypox has been spreading in parts of Central and West Africa for decades, however the weak surveillance and the lack of laboratory diagnosis contribute to many cases being left undetected. Currently, countries in Africa have reported more than 1,800 suspected cases including 70 deaths with only 109 of them being lab-confirmed.

Ahmed Ogwell, the acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, said:
“This particular outbreak for us means an emergency. We want to be able to address monkeypox as an emergency now so that it does not cause more pain and suffering.”

GLOBAL UPDATES

The World Health Organization said that the expanding monkeypox outbreak was worrying but did not yet warrant being declared as a global health emergency. The U.N. health agency said it would reconsider its decision if Monkeypox continued spreading across more borders, began infecting vulnerable groups, and showed signs of increased severity.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Worldwide, more than 5,000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported in 51 countries (in time of writing). The majority of these cases are in Europe and no deaths beyond Africa have been reported.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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