Experts have revealed the best ways to protect against monkeypox after the World Health Organization announced a "Global Health Emergency" for its prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Africa reported that the virus has been discovered in at least 13 countries, representing a 160% increase from last year, along with a 19% rise in deaths. In this regard, the Mayo Clinic outlined the key steps to be followed for the prevention of monkeypox (mpox) and to prevent its spread:
- Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting a rash similar to monkeypox.
- Avoid touching clothing, bed linens, blankets, or other materials that have been contacted by an infected person or animal.
- Isolate individuals infected with the monkeypox virus from healthy individuals.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with an infected person or animal. Hand sanitizer containing alcohol can also be used.
- Avoid animals that may carry the virus.
What is the treatment for mpox?
The treatment for most individuals infected with mpox aims to alleviate symptoms, including reducing skin damage caused by the rash, ensuring adequate fluid intake to help keep stools soft, and managing pain. If you are infected with mpox, isolate yourself at home in a separate room from family and pets until the rash heals.
There is no specific approved treatment for monkeypox; healthcare professionals may treat the disease with some antiviral medications used to treat smallpox, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) or brincidofovir (Tembexa). The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the monkeypox outbreak in Africa a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern." The health authority of the African Union also announced a public health emergency last Tuesday, which is the highest level of readiness, due to the spread of monkeypox in the continent.
