Preparation key to containing spread of Mpox

South Africa recently reported its first cases of Mpox since 2022. That year, the country had five cases, none of which were severe, and fortunately, there were no deaths.

The individuals impacted were males ranging from 17 to 43 years old.

Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have also discovered the current subvariant of Mpox. In Kenya, following the diagnosis of a patient in Taveta, officials officially announced the Mpox outbreak on July 31.

In light of growing concern about mpox, it is essential to be well-prepared and to take preventative steps in order to successfully manage the outbreak.

Early detection and containment are the primary priorities of health agencies. Improving surveillance systems to quickly detect and isolate instances is a necessary step in this process.

Educating populations about the signs of mpox – which include fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes – and obtaining medical assistance as soon as possible is the focus of public health initiatives.

Avoiding contact with sick people or animals and practising proper hygiene are two of the most important things to do.

Working together with community leaders and organisations is crucial in spreading reliable information and countering false information.

International health bodies and governments must collaborate to monitor the global situation and share effective techniques.
— Surjit Singh Flora is a veteran journalist and freelance writer in Canada