Medicosnext
Nepal is on high alert after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency due to the spread of mpox. It is the new clade 1 strain that the world is getting increasingly concerned about. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has urged all relevant agencies to increase surveillance and take preventive measures. This announcement underscores the growing concern as mpox cases surge, particularly in Africa, where over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported this year alone. The infection has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is responsible for 96 percent of all cases in Africa. Both the Philippines and Pakistan reported that mpox cases they had been testing had been confirmed to be the previous variant already circulating in many countries
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through close contact, including skin-to-skin interaction, respiratory droplets, and animal bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, swelling, and distinctive rashes. Nepal had its first confirmed case in June 2023, and experts now emphasize the need for isolation of individuals returning from affected regions for three weeks to prevent potential outbreaks.
Health experts warn that relying solely on airport and border screenings may be insufficient, as symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest, and asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus. Public health officials advocate for self-isolation and maintaining good hygiene to mitigate the risk.
The WHO is working with countries to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments, but public awareness and proactive measures remain crucial for Nepal in curbing the spread of this emerging global health threat.
References:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/mpox-virus-map-b2599337.html
