THE World Health Organization (WHO) declared this Wednesday (14) that the mpox is a global health emergency . The movement took place due to the outbreak of the disease in Africa and the risk of international spread.
A “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) represents the organization’s highest level of alert and draws global attention to disease prevention. MPOX is transmitted through contact between humans and contaminated materials and wildlife, and to date, there is no approved drug for its treatment. Vaccination is available, but it prioritizes groups at risk and those exposed to the virus.
Vaccination
According to the Ministry of Health, immunization before exposure to the virus is prioritizing people at greater risk of developing severe forms of the disease. These include cisgender men, transvestites and transgender women aged 18 or over who are living with the HIV virus.
In addition to them, laboratory employees who work directly with microorganisms and are between 18 and 49 years old.
Vaccination will also prioritize people who have already had contact (classified by the WHO as high or medium risk) with bodily fluids and secretions from people suspected, probable or confirmed to have mpox.
The vaccine is administered within 4 days of contact with someone infected or within 14 days if there are no symptoms.
This week, the WHO published an official document asking manufacturers of vaccines against the disease to submit requests for analysis for emergency use of doses. The process was specifically developed to expedite the availability of unlicensed supplies, but necessary in public health emergencies.
Granting emergency use authorization, according to the organization, should accelerate access to vaccines, especially for low-income countries that have not yet issued their own regulatory approval.
Treatment
There is no medication approved by the WHO specifically for mpox. Treatment, therefore, consists of clinical support to alleviate symptoms, prevent and treat complications and avoid sequelae.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, symptoms of mild and moderate cases of the disease usually disappear spontaneously, without the need for treatment.
According to the health agency, rashes caused by mpox should be allowed to dry naturally or covered with a moist bandage. In addition, products such as mouthwash and eye drops that contain cortisone should be avoided by those infected.
*With information from Paula Laboissière, from Agência Brasil
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
