Infectious Diseases
The Purpose of the Article
Recently, data related to the Monkeypox breakout in Europe raised concerns that another pandemic might be on the horizon if not addressed promptly.
I provide my findings from credible sources and perspectives by reviewing the recent reports of data documented by the UK Health Security Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The situational updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) also validate this concern. According to 9News, "WHO considers declaring Monkeypox a global health emergency."
Undoubtedly, the impact and implications of infectious diseases are severe for public health. Therefore, one of my writing goals is to create awareness for my readers.
This is an awareness piece to share my findings from credible sources and interpret the data. Thus, this post is not health advice and does not mean to create an alarm for the public.
Rather than panicking, we need to approach the situation with awareness and collective diligence globally.
In addition, I provide practical tips to lower the risks of infectious diseases.
Impact and Implications of Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are in the top ten list of World Health Organization causing death. These diseases affect our health and life span.
For example, since 1996, around 17 million people have died from infectious diseases each year.
We re-learned its significance in 2020 due to the Covid virus. Humanity also suffered from HIV for a while. And millions of people died from infectious diseases throughout history. So, it is not a trivial matter for society.
In addition to the sudden increase in the UK (from 7 to 1,351), according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, "as of 7 July, 4 908 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 26 European countries."
The report informs the numbers:
"Spain (1,477), Germany (1,85), France (577), Portugal (415), Netherlands (372), Italy (233), Belgium (169), Ireland (44), Austria (37), Sweden (34), Denmark (24), Hungary (22), Norway (19), Slovenia (14), Finland (13), Poland (13), Romania (12), Greece (11), Malta (9), Czechia (8), Iceland (6), Luxembourg (6), Bulgaria (3), Estonia (2), Latvia (2), and Croatia (1)."
According to the Department of Health, as of 7 July 2022, there are 20 cases (confirmed and probable) in Australia, where I live. This includes 6 in Victoria, 13 in New South Wales, and 1 in South Australia.
NPR (on 25th June) informs that "the U.S. has recorded 201 cases of Monkeypox. But in the U.S., the official case count is misleading, Makofane and other scientists tell NPR."
Data from the UK is eye-opening because, between 2018 and 2021, there were seven cases of Monkeypox. However, on the 7th of July 2022, the cases reached 1,351 in the UK. These are only reported cases. There might be more unreported cases.
The World Health Organization provides emergency situational updates on the multi-country outbreak of Monkeypox daily on their website.
We get infectious diseases in various ways. The common ones are from one person to another via close contact (via coughs and blood), from animals to humans from being bitten or touching them, and from mothers to their unborn children, such as via breastfeeding.
What Is Monkeypox and Why It Matters
The UK Government (Health Security Agency [UKHSA]) published an epidemiological overview titled Monkeypox Outbreak on 1 July 2022 and updated it on 8 July.
The report from UKHSA informs that "Monkeypox is a zoonotic infection, caused by the monkeypox virus that occurs mostly in West and Central Africa."
Dr. Campbell reported the one originating from Nigeria becoming more common and mutated faster. Yet it is less risky than the one from Central Africa.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), "Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%."
According to NHS, "You can catch monkeypox from an infected animal if you're bitten, or you touch its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs."
NHS also informs that "the Monkeypox virus can also spread from person to person through touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash, touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs (including during sex), and the coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash."
According to NHS, "Anyone can get Monkeypox. Currently, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it's particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you're in these groups."
WHO states, "The clinical presentation of Monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus infection that was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness."
According to WHO, "Vaccines (used during the smallpox eradication program) also are provided protection against Monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of Monkeypox."
Even though Monkeypox is a DNA-bound virus (not an RNA), the virus seems to mutate quickly, to scientists' surprise. Therefore, mutation concerns require more diligence by healthcare professionals to prevent a potential pandemic.
My understanding from WHO, the UK government reports, and the press is that vaccines are being developed and roll-out. However, I couldn't be sure whether there was a specific vaccine for Monkeypox or Smallpox vaccine used as a preventative measure as the two viruses have similarities even though they are different.
However, the CDC in the US adds some clarity by informing "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that people whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as Monkeypox, get vaccinated with either ACAM2000 or JYNNEOS to protect them if they are exposed to an orthopoxvirus."
I found the Monkeypox vaccination guide for US citizens provided by CDC.
According to the Guardian, "vaccination in the UK will begin offering jabs to some gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure to Monkeypox, even if they are not a confirmed contact of a case."
Medical doctor John Campbell provides an overview of the Monkeypox virus, its effects, and updates from the UK on his YouTube channel.
Dr. Campbell informs that "there were no documented community transmissions until 6 May 2022. However, as of 4 July 2022, 1,351 laboratory-confirmed cases. The outbreak is mainly among homosexual and bisexual men (96%)."
Precautions to Lower Risks of Caching and Disseminating Monkeypox
The data shows that Monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease. However, anyone can get it. The risk seems higher for children, pregnant women, and people with immune disorders.
Protective sex seems to be a vital caution based on the data indicating its spread in communities.
As the Monkeypox virus can also spread from person to person, we need to keep our distance from the infected people. In addition, we need to be extra careful with sneezing as it is a known risk factor in disseminating the virus.
Key measures are not touching infected people and not using the same clothing, towels, and bedding. So, isolation similar to Covid's situation is necessary.
NHS also guides travelers. The first is washing hands with soap and water regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The second one is only eating meat that has been cooked thoroughly.
For travelers, NHS advises not to go near wild or stray animals, including dead animals, not go near any animals that appear unwell, not to eat or touch meat from wild animals, and stay away from infected people.
Recognizing the symptoms also can give us clues. According to NHS, "it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms usually clear up in a few weeks."
The NHS report states that " Monkeypox's first symptoms include a high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering, and exhaustion.
The source states that "a rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the genitals. The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off."
According to WHO, "Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications."
Five Tips to Lower the Risks of Infectious Diseases
As I posted an article on infectious diseases before explaining the five points, I won't repeat the details as the readers can review this article titled Prevent Infectious Diseases in Five Steps.
Here are the key takeaway points.
1 — Maintain personal hygiene
2 — Consume clean food and drinks. Clean air is also essential.
3 — Improve immunity with lifestyle habits.
4 — Get timely medications and vaccinations
5 — Perform safe sex.
Final Words
The impact and implications of infectious diseases are critical for public health. For example, infectious diseases are in the top ten list of World Health Organization causing death.
As we suffer from Covid affecting our health and economy, we must be diligent in preventing another pandemic that might be caused by a potential virus such as Monkeypox.
In my opinion, even though Monkeypox seems less impactful than other infectious diseases, it might cause another pandemic if not taken seriously by governments and citizens at this nascent stage.
The data from Europe and particularly the UK shows us vital signs
While treating infectious diseases is critical, lowering risks to prevent them with lifestyle habits is also crucial.
The prevention methods are simple and effective. The key points are refraining from contact with infected people and animals and improving our immunity.
Infectious diseases can also affect our mental health and overall well-being. Therefore, I aim to create awareness to lower risks collectively.
Recognizing symptoms and notifying family members, friends, colleagues, and government departments is necessary.
As infections can spread very quickly and affect others, following advice from healthcare professionals, government regulations, and workplace and school policies are essential to prevent the spread of diseases.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a happy and healthy life.
I wrote an updated piece based on the progress in the US.
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Disclaimer: Please note that this post does not include health or professional advice. I documented my reviews, observations, experience, and perspectives only to provide information and create awareness.
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I share my lifestyle, health, and well-being stories on EUPHORIA. I wrote several articles on major diseases and valuable nutrients for health. My focus is metabolic and mental health.
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