The result was already expected, the WHO announced yesterday The number of Mpox infection cases has decreased by almost 90 percent Globally in the last three months compared to the previous quarter.
Nevertheless, the disease continues to pose “significant public health challenges,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, advising us not to let our guard down.
“Just like with Covid-19, that doesn’t mean the work is done. Mpox continues to pose significant public health challenges that require a robust, proactive and sustainable response.He said this at a press conference held in Geneva.
In addition, travel-related infections remain a threat, and “there is a particular risk for people who are untreated for HIV infection,” Gebraeus said.
On May 10, WHO’s Director-General underscored the need for vigilance, particularly in Africa.
However, there is no clear trend in recorded cases in Africa, the WHO official said, adding that many countries continue to report outbreaks. Regrettably, many countries are now relaxing surveillance and reducing access to screening tests and vaccines.
“We welcome the downward trend in Mpox cases globally, The virus continues to affect communities in all regions, including Africa“The transmission is still not well understood,” he explained.
WHO recommends integrating prevention and care to combat Mpox into existing health programsTo allow continuous access to care and rapid response to deal with future outbreaks.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is caused by a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which is transmitted through physical contact with infected humans and animals or contaminated objects.
It is categorized Rashes or skin lesions It usually focuses on the penis, anus, mouth, face, palms and soles.
Symptoms last two to four weeks, and Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, lack of energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
A sick person ceases to be contagious only after complete recovery and crusting from the skin lesions, which may eventually take more than four weeks.
A very effective measure against infection Avoid contact with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of Mpox. Prevention includes hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol gel before eating or touching the face.
Any suspicion arising from these symptoms should be evaluated by a physician, who should provide a history with possible cases of contamination, suspected or confirmed.Mpox in Portugal
As of May 2022, Mpox cases have appeared in more than a hundred countries, including countries without Mpox, such as the United States.
On July 23, 2022, ESPII – Public Health Emergency of International Concern, classified as PHEIC under the International Abbreviation. A PHEIC is defined as “an extraordinary, serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected event” with public health implications beyond the national boundaries of the affected state that may require immediate international action.
Portugal is one of the countries where Mpox cases have been recordedconfirmed in the country 953 cases of infection 3 May 2022 to 28 April 2023, as per latest data from Directorate of Health. No new cases have been reported since the previous monthly data.
This is the seventh time the World Health Organization has declared an international emergency (initiated in 2005) for influenza A in 2009, Ebola in 2014 and 2018, poliomyelitis in 2014, Zika virus in 2017, and coronavirus in 2017. Caused by Covid-19, the latter was raised last week.
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