By Allan Tompkins
Mpox, more commonly known as monkeypox, has gathered the attention of millions as it was just deemed a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This virus might sound familiar due to its similar surge in 2022 that generated some panic yet was quick to flee our minds after a few months. Still, according to health officials at the WHO, it's safe to say we won't be expecting a COVID Part 2.
Monkeypox, unlike COVID-19, was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1950s with many minor cases.
Continuing into the 1970s, scientists have been able to track this virus for many years and therefore have an advantage that wasn't present when COVID landed. The only reason that it is experiencing a sudden growth is similar to how any other virus would; it's mutating.
The new variant of monkeypox, Clade I, seems to be more life-threatening and is said, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to have killed up to 10% of the people who contract it. With the bulk of sick patients in Africa, 14,000 cases have been recorded in Africa this year alone.
There have been no reports of the variant entering the United States unlike its previous variant, Clade II.
So, if the virus seems to mostly reside in Africa and some parts of Asia, why would the WHO determine it a global health emergency? Although the phrase might sound scary, deeming the virus a global health emergency is not necessarily a way of warning the public of another possible quarantine, but it is rather a way to communicate to health facilities to start working on a vaccine.
By tackling the virus at the earlier stages of its mutations, scientists have realized its potential, and are therefore trying to bring more scientists on board to help solve the problem. The more hands that are on board to create a vaccine, the faster and more likely it is to be done. The best way to do this is through a global effort that can diminish monkeypox's growth before it hits more heavily populated areas.
While social media has startled some people through its dramatic rumors of how terrible monkeypox is going to be, it's important to find reliable sources instead. The phrase 'global health emergency' has been taken out of context one too many times and has led to mass hysteria over a not-so-threatening issue.
For now, anyone planning international trips to areas of reported monkeypox outbreaks is advised to be vaccinated with the one, approved vaccination for monkeypox available. Along with this, minimizing sexual interactions is advised by the WHO. Although the new variant is said to have a higher transmission rate than its predecessor, no cases have been reported in North America.
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