Memahami Cacar Monyet, Asal Usul hingga Cara Penularan [Metro Pagi Primetime]

Summary

In early August 2024, the WHO declared a global health emergency following a surge of cases related to a new strain of monkeypox (Empox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which spread internationally. Monkeypox, first identified in 1958, has symptoms including fever, muscle pain, and skin lesions. Although similar to COVID-19, monkeypox spreads through close, prolonged contact rather than airborne transmission. While vaccines are available, they are limited to specific groups due to high costs. Public health measures emphasize maintaining immunity and avoiding prolonged physical contact with infected individuals.

Takeaways

• 🦠 Empox (formerly known as monkeypox) is not a new virus; it was first identified in monkeys in Denmark in 1958.
• 🌍 The first human case of Empox was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, with outbreaks mainly in West and Central Africa.
• 🚨 WHO has declared Empox a global health emergency twice: in 2022 and again in 2024, as it has now spread to over 70 countries.
• 🤒 Common symptoms of Empox include headache, fever, muscle aches, skin rashes or lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
• ⚠️ Empox is often confused with COVID-19 due to some similar symptoms, but it is less contagious as it requires prolonged close contact.
• 🗣️ Empox spreads through respiratory droplets during close interaction, kissing, skin-to-skin contact, or contact with contaminated objects or animals.
• 💉 A vaccine for Empox is available but only for high-risk groups and healthcare workers due to its high cost and limited supply.
• 💰 The Empox vaccine costs around IDR 3.5 million per dose and is a modified version of the smallpox vaccine, which provides immunity against the virus.
• 👶 Empox can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy.
• 🏠 Unlike COVID-19, there are no strict quarantine or border closure measures recommended for Empox, though avoiding prolonged physical contact with infected individuals is advised.

Q & A

What is Empox and how is it related to monkeypox?

Empox, previously known as monkeypox, is a virus that has existed since 1958, when it was first detected in monkeys in Denmark. The first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970.

Why did WHO declare a Global Health Emergency in August 2024?

WHO declared a Global Health Emergency in August 2024 following a surge in Empox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which later spread internationally.

What are the common symptoms of Empox?

The common symptoms of Empox include headache, fever and chills, muscle pain, rash and skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

How does Empox transmission differ from COVID-19?

Unlike COVID-19, which is airborne and spreads quickly through droplets from breathing, talking, or sneezing, Empox spreads through prolonged close contact with an infected person. This includes contact via respiratory droplets, physical contact, or touching infected skin or mucous membranes.

What are the primary ways Empox is transmitted?

Empox is transmitted through respiratory droplets, kissing or oral sex, skin contact, touching lesions or mucous membranes, contact with infected animals, and from a pregnant mother to her fetus.

Is there a vaccine available for Empox?

Yes, a modified smallpox vaccine is available for Empox. However, it is only administered to specific high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, due to its limited availability and high cost, reaching up to Rp3.5 million per dose.

How effective is the smallpox vaccine against Empox?

The modified smallpox vaccine is considered effective because Empox is caused by a virus in the same family as the variola virus, which causes smallpox.

Will people infected with Empox be quarantined or face border closures?

It is unlikely that people infected with Empox will face quarantine, border closures, or mandatory vaccination. Health authorities do not recommend these measures despite the disease spreading to multiple countries.

What precautions should the public take against Empox?

The public should focus on maintaining personal health and immunity, and avoid prolonged physical contact with individuals infected with Empox.

Why are vaccines for Empox not being administered to the general public?

Due to the limited availability and high cost of the vaccine, it is currently prioritized for specific groups, such as healthcare workers, rather than the general public.