“If you talk to someone closely, if you breathe on them, if you are physically close to them, it is possible that droplets, if you have lesions, can spread to someone else,” said a spokesperson for the WHO, Margaret Harris, during a press briefing, noting that “this is a minor” source of transmission.
According to Ms. Harris, understanding the dynamics of virus transmission requires “further research,” revealing that objects and surfaces used by an infected person may carry the virus, which increases the risk of infection in cases of contact without health precautions.
In this regard, the WHO recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects as well as washing hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces or objects.
The wearing of masks is only recommended for healthcare workers and those in contact with a sick person, while not recommending widespread mask use, according to the organization.
The WHO recently raised the alert level to the maximum due to the spread of Mpox in Africa and the emergence of a potentially more dangerous new variant.
Understanding the Transmission and Risks of Mpox
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the primary mode of transmission for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which occurs through close contact between individuals. This intimate interaction can happen via skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets exchanged during conversation, or direct contact with lesions.
During a recent press briefing, Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the WHO, emphasized that the spread is particularly concerning when someone is in close physical proximity, where infectious droplets may transfer. Although she acknowledged this as a “minor source” of transmission, it still underlines the importance of understanding the dynamics of the virus’s spread.
Ms. Harris pointed out that additional research is required to fully grasp how the virus propagates, especially since contaminated objects and surfaces can harbor the virus. This revelation suggests that the potential for infection increases when individuals come into contact with items that may have been touched by an infected person without taking proper health precautions.
In response to these findings, the WHO recommends practicing strict hygiene measures, such as regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects, alongside frequent handwashing, particularly after engaging with potentially contaminated items.
While face masks are suggested solely for healthcare workers and those in direct contact with infected individuals, the WHO does not endorse widespread mask-wearing. This restraint reflects a nuanced approach aimed at managing the disease’s spread without instigating unnecessary alarm among the general population.
The recent escalation of alert levels by the WHO was a response to the concerning spread of Mpox in Africa alongside the emergence of a new, potentially more hazardous variant. As understanding of this viral infection evolves, health authorities must remain vigilant in monitoring trends, emphasizing personal and community hygiene, and preparing for potential shifts in public health needs.