Monkeypox could have been with us for 2 years and we didn’t realize it

Since the first case of monkeypox was reported in the UK on 7 May, more than 550 in 30 different countries. All this without taking into account the African countries in which endemic. The numbers surprise health experts as the disease is usually fairly easy to contain. To get to where you’ve got to be dissemination in society, This is clear. But, in addition, according to one of the largest WHO specialists in monkeypox, Rosamund Lewisa lot of time can pass between us. i might even do a couple of years who left Africa for walk for the rest of the world.

This is the most shocking information of all that was commented on yesterday, June 1, in press conference provided by WHO to discuss the latest news about monkeypox. It has its CEO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusaddressed both the health authorities and the entire population of the affected areas with a request to identify cases of the disease as soon as possible.

But he also stressed the importance do not stigmatize people with monkeypox. Primarily because no disease should be a source of stigma, but also because it can make patients feel ashamed and reluctant to seek help, with all the ensuing consequences, when it comes to stopping outbreaks. Monkeypox positive cases should be identified and isolated, but not reported.

How monkeypox spreads

A month after its discovery, the number of COVID-19 cases was much higher than it is now. monkeypox.

This is because it is a much more contagious disease. While the main transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 is in aerosolsmonkeypox needs more direct contact. This is mainly due to contact with suppuration of pustules and other fluids of the patient. This also includes secretions from the respiratory tract, but these are droplets, not aerosols. Therefore, close and prolonged contact is necessary for infection.

All this is a relief, but also strange. And the fact is, if the disease is so hard to spread, to reach over 550 cases, there must be many others that have not been found. This was one of the conclusions of the head of the UN, as well as Rosamund Lewis, who said that they did not know “if they weeks, months or maybe a couple of years“. In addition, he added that they also do not know if it is too late to restrain him.

In principle, smallpox vaccination is recommended for health workers and vulnerable persons.

Because the disease is still mild and there are few doses of smallpox vaccine available, WHO is currently does not consider recommending vaccination of the entire population. Ideally, the vaccine should only be given at first healthcare or vulnerable people. And the fact is that, as both the head of the WHO and the monkeypox expert so well reminded, if the disease reaches high-risk patients, such as immunocompromised people, it can become a serious problem.

It should also be remembered that people over 42-45 years old they were vaccinated against smallpox before it was considered eradicated, so they are quite protected. It is estimated that with approximately 85% protection.

In short, apart from the fact that it could have been with us for two years, it doesn’t look like monkeypox was very serious. So far, not a single death has been recorded. But this data is from First world. Africa has recorded 70 deaths. for this disease so far this year. But all the measures that we are starting to consider do not include them. They never had. Of course, this is something we should think about.