Symptoms, causes and recommendations in Guatemala

by times news cr

2024-08-19 22:36:55

In this note we tell you more about the monkeypox, monkeypox o mpoxtheir symptoms, causes y Recommendations in Guatemalabefore the epidemiological alerts issued by the current situation in Africa.

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Monkeypox, simica or mpox: symptoms, causes and recommendations in Guatemala

On August 14th, the World Health Organization —WHO— declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the mpox outbreak or monkeypox, formerly known as monkeypox. This decision was announced by the Dr. Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusDirector-General of WHO, based on the recommendation of an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee.

The alert arises in light of the current situation in Africa, where a rapid spread of a new variant of the virus has been observed, the clade 1bespecially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the detection of cases in neighbouring countries. The committee of experts considered issuing the recommendation because the current conditions make it an emergency “with the potential to spread further throughout African countries and possibly beyond the continent.”

In response to this situation, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) of Guatemala issued an epidemiological alert on August 16. President Bernardo Arévalo, in a press conference on August 19, reported that the MSPAS, in coordination with the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is developing protocols for the care of possible cases in the country, preparing for any eventuality.

Photo description for visually impaired people: Poster with information about what mpox is. (Credit: Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance)

What causes monkeypox or mpox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease characterized by skin rashes, similar to pimples or blisters, which may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache.

The PAHO defines it as a zoonosis, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirusthe same virus that causes human smallpox. It is called this because it was first detected in apes. The first case in humans was detected in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Africa.

Although it has been endemic in countries in central and western Africa, in 2022 the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern due to its spread in countries where it had not previously been observed.

How is it transmitted?

Monkeypox can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with blood, body fluids, skin lesions or mucous membranes of infected animals. It can also be transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions or skin lesions of infected people, as well as by objects recently contaminated with the fluids or materials from the lesions.

Transmission can occur in settings such as hugging, massaging, kissing, sexual intercourse, or touching the lesions of an infected person. In addition, contact with objects, fabrics, or surfaces used by sick people can also be a source of contagion. Talking or breathing near an infected person can generate infectious respiratory particles, facilitating transmission.

Symptoms that patients may present

Symptoms of monkeypox usually appear about two weeks after contact with the virus and generally last between two and four weeks. The most common symptoms include:

  • A skin rash in the form of pimples or blisters, which can affect any part of the body.
  • Fever.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Lack of energy.
Photo description for people with visual impairments: Poster with recommendations to prevent the disease. (Credit: Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance)

Recommendations to prevent contagion

The Ministry of Health has issued several recommendations for prevent the spread of monkeypoxincluding:

  • Avoid contact with bodily fluids of people with skin lesions.
  • Do not share personal items.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Clean and disinfect spaces regularly.
  • Go immediately to the nearest health service if you have symptoms.

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