An alarming statement came from the ministry Africa CDCWorking hard to overcome this year’s problems monkey flower infection, with the majority of deaths occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak.
The African Union’s health watchdog warned on Thursday: mpox The outbreak was still not under control and resources were called for to prevent an outbreak “more severe” than Covid-19.
Just like this statement from the Africa CDC, the superspreader variant of monkeypox or mpox virus has been detected in the United Kingdom, triggering an alarming situation. Clade 1b virus strain was found in England. This virus was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August. Mpox has killed more than 1,000 people in Africa this year.

The UK case, in a patient who had recently traveled to affected countries in Africa, was detected in London and the individual was transferred to a specialist hospital, the UKHSA said.
Cases of mpox type Ib have been reported in Congo, as well as in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany.

How is Mpox spread?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is spread primarily through close, direct contact with an infected person. This involves skin-to-skin contact with rashes, lesions, or body fluids of someone with mpox. Although less common, it can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions, such as talking or coughing.

Another route of transmission is through contaminated objects used by an infected person, such as clothing, bedding, or towels. Animal-to-human transmission can also occur if a person bites or touches an infected animal. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected people can help prevent the spread of mpox.

Could winter trigger a mpox epidemic?

Although winter itself does not directly trigger an MPOX outbreak, the season may increase the risk of spread. Cold weather drives people indoors, often in crowded or poorly ventilated areas where viruses can be more easily transmitted through close contact.
Low humidity and weak immunity during the winter months can also contribute to the spread of respiratory virus, but mpox spreads mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact. Risks of respiratory transmission may increase if people interact in close proximity for long periods of time indoors.

Mpox symptoms

Mpox symptoms begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. After a few days, the rash becomes more characteristic, initially appearing on the face and eventually spreading to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and genitals. The rash goes through several stages: it starts as flat spots, turns into raised bumps, fluid-filled blisters, and then crusts that fall off. Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits, are another important symptom that distinguishes mpox from other similar diseases. Symptoms usually last two to four weeks and can be mild or severe.
(Input from institutions)