In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox, otherwise known as monkeypox, to be a global health emergency. Since then, researchers are suggesting ways to prevent its spread and whether a booster dose of the mpox vaccine is needed for vulnerable people in the United States.
The mpox outbreak continues to spread throughout countries in Africa. Mpox is characterized by two clades, I and II. Clade I is responsible for the current rise of cases in Central and Eastern Africa. Clade II is responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the general population does not need to get vaccine boosters. Instead, people with weakened immune systems, among other factors, should get a booster.
As of last month, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported over 27,000 likely suspected cases of mpox.
According to the Smithsonian, mpox is a viral disease that used to infect rodents and small areas in west and central Africa. It originated from a group of monkeys in Copenhagen. This virus consisted of fevers, chills, and rashes. At that time, mpox had the ability to only infect other animals. However, as of now, it has the ability to infect humans by direct contact with an infected animal or another human.
Several ways a person could contract this virus is by staying in an enclosed area with an infected person, respiratory droplets, touching objects that had been infected by or having an open wound or rash come into contact with infected objects, humans or animals. As for animals, it can be transmitted through bites, eating animals that had been infected, using an infected animal’s fur or having a direct contact with an animal’s body fluid. It is also contracted through their saliva.
Treatment includes caring for the damaged skin by drinking a good amount of liquids, keeping isolated from others to prevent the spread and if possible, taking antibiotics given by healthcare professionals.
Thomas Gimber, a Sacred Hearts Academy social studies teacher who has worked with students for many years, replied with his own opinion on this mpox vaccine.
“I believe preventative medicine is socially responsible,” Gimber said. “Vaccinations are designed by medical professionals, researchers and practitioners. Public health professionals advise the public based on statistics, results and common sense.”
