As we converge to get our national IDs, waiting in queues, shaking hands with officials, or chatting with neighbours, it’s easy to forget that these everyday interactions can sometimes expose us to health risks of Mpox.
Formerly known as monkeypox, mpox is a zoonotic viral disease that has become a public health concern globally.
The 2022 outbreak, which spread across continents, brought attention to how interconnected our world is and how easily diseases can cross borders.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox.
Although mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, it can still lead to serious complications, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and young children.
The disease was first identified in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, hence the original name, but it is primarily transmitted to humans from animals such as rodents and other wildlife.
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Human-to-human transmission can occur in several ways:
· Direct contact with the rash, lesions, or body fluids of an infected person.
· Touching contaminated materials, such as clothing, bedding, or surfaces that have been in contact with infectious lesions.
· Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, especially in enclosed spaces.
· Sexual contact, particularly among individuals with multiple sexual partners, has also emerged as a notable route in recent outbreaks.
Zoonotic transmission can also occur through bites, scratches, or handling of infected animals, especially wild ones.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mpox usually appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure. The illness typically begins with: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes and chills and exhaustion.
Within a few days after the onset of fever, a rash develops often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Rash progresses through several stages, from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs, which eventually fall off. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
How to avoid getting mpox Preventing mpox requires a combination of public health measures and individual precautions.
1. Avoid close contact with individuals who have visible rashes or symptoms suggestive of mpox.
2. Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Do not share bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who is infected or suspected to be.
4. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for a person with mpox, especially in healthcare settings.
5. Avoid contact with wild animals, particularly rodents and primates, and refrain from eating bushmeat.
6. Stay informed during outbreaks and follow local public health guidelines.
7. Vaccination, where available, can offer protection, particularly for high-risk groups like health workers and individuals with multiple sexual partners.
What communities should do, urban and rural approaches
While individual action is important, communities both in urban and rural areas play a central role in preventing and managing the spread of mpox.
In urban areas: Urban environments with dense populations and high mobility can become hotspots for disease spread.
Communities should:
· Promote health education campaigns through media, social platforms, and local leaders to raise awareness about mpox.
· Establish clear referral systems so that suspected cases can access healthcare quickly.
· Encourage cleanliness in shared spaces such as markets, schools, slums, and public transport.
· Mobilize youth groups and community health volunteers to support contact tracing and community surveillance.
· Create spaces for dialogue and health talks in places of worship, schools, and workplaces.
In local villages and rural areas
Rural communities often interact closely with animals and may lack quick access to health services. Prevention here requires:
Also Read: Health Ministry Issues Update on Mpox
· Educating villagers not to hunt, touch, or eat wild animals, especially rodents and primates.
· Encouraging early reporting of any unusual skin rashes or fevers to the nearest health worker or village health team.
· Supporting local leaders and elders to dispel myths and promote facts about mpox transmission and prevention.
· Promoting the safe handling of animals, including proper slaughter and disposal practices.
· Reinforcing traditional hygiene practices, such as handwashing and separate sleeping areas for the sick.
Conclusion
Mpox is a re-emerging disease that reminds us of the importance of vigilance, public awareness, and early detection in disease prevention.
Also Read: Govt Warns of Mpox Outbreak in Schools as Cases Rise
While it is not as deadly as smallpox, mpox can cause serious health problems and disrupt communities if not controlled.
Through timely information, responsible behavior, and public health preparedness, we can protect ourselves and others from its spread.
Whether you live in the city or a remote village, understanding and acting on the basics of mpox is the first step toward building a healthier, more resilient society.
By Wejuli Junior Mike, intern Wakiso LG
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
