monkeypox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak an “emergency of international concern.”

The big picture

The outbreak has already spread to more than 70 countries with 16,000 reported cases and 5 deaths. The outbreak seems to be shared among gay men.

Deaths have only been reported in East Africa–Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, where a dangerous version of the virus is spreading

The international health organization hopes that the decision to categorize it as a global health emergency will ensure the world takes the outbreak seriously.

Why it matters

Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus said it requires a coordinated international response to collaborate on vaccines and treatments.

Director of the WHO Center on Global Health Law, Lawrence Gostin said there should be widespread testing and deployment of vaccines to “nip this in the bud.”

“The window for containment is rapidly closing and we fear that this could become endemic in Europe, North America and other parts of the world over the next months,” Gostin said.

Monkeypox is suspected to be in the country following the arrival of a British tourist to the country.

Minister of Health Michael Darville said samples have been retrieved from the man who is in isolation.

The man believed to be in his 40s, arrived in Nassau on British Airways.

If confirmed, it would be the first case for the Caribbean region.

How do you catch it?

Monkeypox is akin to chickenpox and spreads when the infected person is in close contact with others. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract, broken skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

It can be contracted from contaminated bedding and clothing and infected animals such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels.

The virus has been detected among gay men though anyone can contract it. Experts said it’s not known why a higher proportion of cases is among men from the homosexual commuity.

New guidance issued, advises against engaging in sex while infected or showing symptoms; or as a precaution, use condoms for eight weeks after infection.

Monkeypox, a common virus in Central and West Africa, is increasing in several countries in Europe and now in the United States of America.

There have been more than 100 cases reported worldwide and the UK Health Security Agency says the outbreak is “significant and concerning” though the risk to its population “remains low.”

The first case was discovered in a man from Massachusetts who traveled from Canada, and a recent case was detected in Florida.

Though anyone is susceptible to the virus, experts say most of the cases were found in gay men.

President Joe Biden said “people should be careful” but it does not “rises to the level of the kind of concern that existed with Covid-19.”

Belgium, with four cases reported on Monday, though, is taking precautions and is the first country to introduce a mandatory 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients.  Close contacts are not required to self-isolate.

How Monkeypox spreads

Experts said the virus does not seem to spread easily between people but can spread through close physical contact with somebody infected.

The early symptoms are the flu, fever and chills, and a rash that can spread from the face to other parts of the body.

The rash of raised spots turns into blisters which clear up within two to four weeks.

Experts say the smallpox vaccine can be used to help limit the spread.

President Biden said vaccines were being offered to close contacts but there were no plans for an “at scale” vaccination program.

“We do have vaccines procured at significant numbers but given the nature of this and how we know it’s spreading, it’s thought to be no clinical requirement for that sort of at scale campaign,” he said.