According to experts, taking preventive measures is the first step towards minimizing the spread of mpox – an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Dr Edson Rwagasore, the Division Manager of Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), said that mpox is an infectious disease that can lead to a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. ALSO READ: EAC urges increased public awareness to prevent spread of ‘deadly’ Monkeypox While most people recover fully, he noted, the illness can become severe, particularly in children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mpox can affect anyone and it spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal, contaminated materials, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms Dr Rwagasore noted that symptoms of mpox typically appear within a week but can manifest anywhere from one to 21 days after exposure. The illness generally lasts two to four weeks, he said. ALSO READ: Let’s revisit Covid-19 prevention measures to combat Mpox Common symptoms, according to WHO, of mpox are: Rash Fever Sore throat Headache Muscle aches Back pain Low energy Swollen lymph nodes. “The rash spreads from flat sores to blisters filled with liquid, which can be itchy or painful. As it heals, the lesions crust over and fall off. Mpox is contagious until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed,” Dr Rwagasore said. Transmission According to WHO, person-to-person transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious lesions, respiratory droplets, or through intimate contact, such as kissing or sexual activities. Animal to human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals. Mpox can also spread through contaminated objects like clothing and from animal bites or scratches. People with multiple sexual partners, health workers, and those involved in animal handling are at higher risk. Who is at risk? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that anyone in close contact with a person with mpox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves, especially vaccination. At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the mpox outbreak that began in 2022, according to CDC. Travelers who plan to attend gatherings that may place them in close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox are at higher risk of getting infected as well. “Caregivers of persons with mpox should avoid close skin-to-skin contact with persons who have a rash, wash hands regularly, and use proper personal protective equipment (mask, gloves) when providing care. Avoid sharing eating utensils or cups and do not handle bedding, towels, or clothing of persons with mpox. Caregivers should consider getting the mpox vaccine,” Dr Rwagasore said. Travellers such as veterinarians and wildlife professionals, according to CDC, may be at risk if they work with infected animals including in areas where wild animals are known to be infected such as Central and West Africa. Diagnosis and treatment Experts stress that identifying mpox can be challenging, as its symptoms resemble those of other infections like chickenpox, measles, or sexually transmitted infections. Experts therefore advise testing, particularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from skin lesions, as an essential for accurate diagnosis. In addition, early and supportive care focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and avoiding further spread. Vaccination and safety guidelines Vaccination can prevent mpox, especially for those at high risks, such as healthcare workers and people with multiple sexual partners. The vaccine is most effective if administered within four days of exposure. Dr Rwagasore said: “So far, we don’t have the vaccines in Rwanda, but they are still under clinical trial. We are partnering with WHO to ensure that we get the vaccines. The situation is not alarming in Rwanda as the country still has two confirmed cases.” To reduce transmission, individuals with mpox are urged to isolate at home or in a hospital until they are no longer contagious. The World Health Organisation recommends covering lesions, wearing a mask around others, and practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing. Self-care and prevention Most people with mpox will recover within two to four weeks, according to WHO. Things to do to help the symptoms and prevent infecting others: Do Stay home and in your own room if possible Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores Wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals Keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else) Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth Take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores Take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. Do not Pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body, and cause sores to become infected; or Shave areas with sores until scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body). To prevent spread of mpox to others, persons with mpox should isolate at home, or in hospital if needed, for the duration of the infectious period (from onset of symptoms until lesions have healed and scabs fall off). Covering lesions and wearing a medical mask when in the presence of others may help prevent spread. Using condoms during sex will help reduce the risk getting mpox but will not prevent spread from skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact. Preparedness On July 29, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, called for enhanced preventive measures to curb the spread of mpox. ALSO READ: Rubavu residents call for more hygiene facilities to combat Mpox outbreak He urged EAC partner states to utilize available facilities, ensure regular maintenance, and provide clean water at points of entry. This followed confirmed cases of mpox in western Burundi, with three cases reported as of July 25, and two cases in Rwanda on July 27. Uganda detected its first two cases in the western border district of Kasese, close to DR Congo, on Saturday, a day after the Africa Union allocated $10.4 million in funding to combat the outbreak. On July 20, DR Congo which is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of the viral disease ever recorded, reported more than 11,000 suspected cases, including around 450 deaths. Later, end of July, Kenya also confirmed its first case of Mpox at the Taita Taveta border post with Tanzania after it was detected in a person travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya. The situation remains alarming, especially as a new virus strain has been identified in the region. Dr Rwagasore, encourages Rwandans to stay calm, noting that the country is well-prepared for a potential mpox outbreak, leveraging RBC’s experience from past health challenges like Covid-19. He highlighted the country’s robust tracking system, which involves health facilities, points of entry, and communities. “Community health workers and trained rapid response teams at various levels are ready to ensure early detection and swift action,” he said. Dr. Rwagasore emphasized that while mpox is contagious and can be deadly, it is preventable. He urged Rwandans to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Toll-free calls on 114 For inquiries about mpox, he urges the public to call a toll-free number 114, or check the RBC website and the official social media platforms of the Ministry of Health. ALSO READ: EAC on track to combat zoonotic, water-borne diseases In response to the global outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on July 23, 2022, WHO developed a strategic preparedness and response plan. Central to this plan are surveillance, diagnostics, risk communication, and community engagement, all aimed at halting human-to-human transmission of mpox. “By adhering to preventive measures and staying informed, communities can help control the spread of mpox and protect public health.”
