What is mpox and how do you protect yourself? | Al Jazeera NewsFeed

Summary

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency over the spreading EMPO virus, previously known as monkeypox, which is believed to originate from small rodents. Although not yet a pandemic, it has reached Pakistan and Sweden. The virus, related to smallpox, can cause fever, chills, and skin lesions, and spreads through broken skin or the airways. Protective measures include masks, isolation, and hygiene. The focus is on Central Africa, where the more severe strain, known as Clade 1, is endemic and spreading.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The World Health Organization has declared a new Public Health Emergency regarding a spreading virus known as 'empo'.
• 🌍 Empo is believed to have originated in Central and West Africa but has spread to other continents, including Pakistan and Sweden.
• 👥 A coordinated international response is deemed essential to stop the virus from causing further outbreaks and to save lives.
• 🔬 Empo was previously known as monkeypox, but the name was changed by WHO as the primary hosts are now thought to be small rodents, not monkeys.
• 🦠 Empo is related to the smallpox virus and can enter the body through broken skin or the respiratory system, spreading via the bloodstream.
• 🤒 Symptoms of empo include fever, chills, headaches, and eventually welts and boils on the skin, which are not usually fatal but can be deadly.
• 🌐 There have been previous global outbreaks of the virus, notably in 2022 with nearly 100,000 reported cases across 122 countries.
• 🐭 The virus can be transmitted between animals and humans, and was introduced to prairie dogs in the US by infected rodents in 2003.
• 🧬 There are two strains of empo: the less severe 'Clay 2' endemic to West Africa and the more severe 'Clay 1' from Central Africa, which is currently spreading.
• 😷 Protection measures against empo include wearing masks, practicing isolation, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining good hygiene.
• 🏠 Affected individuals should isolate at home until their lesions have healed and avoid contact with others to prevent transmission.

Q & A

What is the new public health emergency declared by World Health Chiefs?

The new public health emergency declared by World Health Chiefs is about a spreading virus known as EMPO, previously known as monkeypox.

Where is the virus EMPO believed to have originated?

EMPO is believed to have originated in Central and West Africa but has spread outside the continent.

Which countries have recorded their first cases of EMPO?

Pakistan and Sweden have recorded their first cases of EMPO.

What is the importance of a coordinated international response to the EMPO outbreak?

A coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives, as the outbreak is not a pandemic and may never reach that status.

What is the relationship between EMPO and smallpox?

EMPO belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox and shares genetic similarities, but it is not usually as fatal.

How does EMPO enter the human body?

EMPO enters the human body through broken skin or the airways and spreads through the blood.

What are the symptoms of EMPO?

EMPO causes fever, chills, headaches, and progresses to welts and boils on the skin.

How can people protect themselves from EMPO?

People can protect themselves from EMPO by following similar procedures as for COVID-19, such as wearing masks, isolation, and using hand sanitizer.

What are the two strains of the EMPO virus mentioned in the script?

The two strains of the EMPO virus mentioned are the Clay 1 strain, which is endemic to Central Africa and considered more severe, and the Clay 2 strain, which is endemic to West Africa and considered less severe.

What is the focus of prevention to prevent a global crisis of EMPO?

The focus of prevention to prevent a global crisis should be Central Africa, where the major risk of the EMPO virus is currently centered.