What is the World Health Organization Doing About Monkeypox?
This year, the world has been grappling with a new health threat – monkeypox. Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as monkeys, rats, and squirrels. Although it is not as deadly as other diseases like Ebola or COVID-19, monkeypox can cause severe illness and sometimes even death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. WHO has been closely monitoring the monkeypox outbreak and taking measures to prevent its spread.
What is Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease that was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It was first reported in humans in 1970 when cases were discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in other African countries as well as the United States, where it is considered an imported disease. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but the disease is less severe and has a lower mortality rate.
What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion, which can last for several days. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body before forming blisters that scab over and fall off after a few weeks. Lasting between two and four weeks, the disease can cause severe illness. In a few reported cases, the disease has been fatal.
How Does Monkeypox Spread
Monkeypox spreads through contact with an infected animal or human. It can be transmitted through direct contact, such as touching bodily fluids of an infected person or animal or indirect contact, such as touching contaminated clothing or bedding. It can also be transmitted through the respiratory tract when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Monkeypox is not highly contagious, but it can be easily spread if proper precautions are not taken.
What is the World Health Organization Doing About Monkeypox
The World Health Organization has been working closely with affected countries to contain and prevent the spread of monkeypox. WHO has established a surveillance system to monitor the disease and identify outbreaks early. It has also developed guidelines and protocols for the management of monkeypox cases. In addition, WHO has been working to raise awareness about the disease and educate communities about the importance of prevention and early detection.
Preventing Monkeypox
Preventing monkeypox requires taking proper precautions when around infected animals or humans. People should avoid coming into contact with wild animals, especially rodents that may carry the virus. If handling animals or their products, protective gloves should be worn. Those who live in or travel to areas where monkeypox is known to occur should also follow standard sanitation measures. Vaccination also provides an effective defense against monkeypox.
Conclusion
The World Health Organization is working tirelessly to curb the spread of monkeypox and prevent it from becoming a global health threat. It has established measures to monitor, educate, and prevent the disease’s spread, working with affected countries to contain outbreaks. While monkeypox poses a health risk to those in affected countries, it is vital to note that taking proper precautions, such as vaccination, can mitigate its spread.
