All of Rwanda's neighbouring countries, with the exception of Tanzania, had publicly confirmed cases of Mpox as of Monday, August 5. DR Congo has experienced the biggest outbreak with 13,791 cases and 450 deaths.
DR Congo accounts for about 97 percent of Mpox cases recorded in Africa between January and July this year, making it the hotspot of the outbreak.
While Mpox may not carry the same level of contagion or lethality as Covid-19, it still poses significant risks, particularly to individuals with preexisting conditions, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
As we navigate this new threat, it is crucial to recognize that many of the prevention measures we became accustomed to during the Covid-19 pandemic remain effective against Mpox.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, like Covid-19, is an infectious disease, but it's important to note the differences. Mpox generally spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated materials.
Symptoms of the Mpox virus infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While the disease is often less severe than Covid-19, it can still lead to serious illness or death, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The preventive measures we used against Covid-19 are both familiar and effective in reducing the spread of Mpox. It is crucial to revisit and implement these simple yet essential practices again:
Hand hygiene: Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer remains a frontline defense against infectious diseases.
Mask-wearing: Wearing masks, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces, can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that may carry the Mpox virus.
Physical distancing: Maintaining a safe distance from others, particularly if they show signs of illness, minimizes the risk of transmission.
Surface cleaning: Regularly disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched helps eliminate potential sources of the virus.
Isolation of the infected: Just as with Covid-19, those showing symptoms of Mpox should isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.
By revisiting and adhering to these preventive measures, we can collectively safeguard our communities, particularly the most vulnerable members. Preventing the spread of Mpox is not just an individual responsibility but a community effort.
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It is imperative that we draw on the lessons learned from Covid-19. Rwanda and Rwandans swiftly overcame the pandemic, and we have every reason to confront Mpox with confidence.
The author is a pharmacist by training and an editor with The New Times