Monkeypox hysteria
Having lived through a global pandemic, many people are now worried about the increasing worry surrounding. As there has been much news coverage and many social media posts riddled with misinformation taking over our feeds, it is important to get the facts right in order to avoid undue panic over whether another lockdown is on the horizon, how contagious it is and whether or not it is deadly.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox (Mpox) is defined by the NHS as ‘a rare infection most commonly found in west or central Africa.’ (1) It is caused by the Mpox virus - a virus in the same family as smallpox* however it is less harmful. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys however the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). (2) Since then cases have been found around west and central Africa however there are now cases being found in europe. There are two main strains of Mpox, Clade 1b and Clade 2.(3) The Clade 1b strain is more deadly and has been linked to around 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (4)
How is it spread?
Mpox can be passed between people through close physical contact with Mpox blisters or scabs, touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox or the coughs or sneezes of a person with Mpox when they are close to you.
Symptoms
- High temperature
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Are we going into another lockdown?
Currently, the general consensus is that Mpox is not like another COVID-19 and as a result we are being told that another lockdown is highly unlikely.
Glossary
*Smallpox- An acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family.
References
Written by Sophiat
Moderated by Adelene
1. NHS (2022) ‘MPOX’. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/ [Accessed 19
August 2024]
2. GOV.UK (2024) ‘Mpox: background information.’ Available from:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox {Accessed 19 August 2024]
3. Business standard ‘Mpox reaches thailand; deadly Clade 1b variant found in 6 nations’
Available from:
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/mpox-reaches-thailand-deadly-clade-1b-varia
nt-found-in-6-nations-updates-124082100410_1.html [Accessed 21 August 2024]
4. BBC News (2024) ‘Mpox not new covid and can be stopped, expert says.’ Available from:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg34y37jqgo [Accessed 20 August 2024]
