Introduction of Monkeypox
Based on WHO, Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus infection that was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Monkeypox declared as global health emergency (PHEIC)
At the second meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, they decided to declare monkeypox as a global health emergency since there are more than 16000 cases have been reported from 75 countries. Due to the rapid spread of the monkeypox outbreak, Dr.Tedros had decided that it was indeed of international concern although majority of the WHO disagree to declared monkeypox as PHEIC.
The declaration of a global health emergency of monkeypox is expected would help to speed up the development of vaccines and the implementation of measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Last but not least, countries should start to take action and come out with the right strategies to stop the outbreak before it is too late.
