Detection of M Pox Virus in the Philippines
It is reported that in the Philippines, M pox virus was detected in an individual who had not traveled outside the country before. According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), health authorities continue to work to quickly detect the virus.
Authorities announced that M pox virus was detected in a person who had no travel history outside the country and this person was isolated. It was also stated that the M ox virus was last detected in December 2023. It is reported that the identified individuals survived the disease and regained their health.
M Pox Virus Cases in Indonesia
According to Antara News, health authorities in Indonesia announced that M-pox virus tests are strictly implemented for those coming to the country from abroad. It was stated that M pox virus was detected in a total of 14 people in various regions of the country between January and August 2023.
Emergency Declaration from the World Health Organization
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decided to convene the WHO Emergency Committee on August 14, due to concerns about the potential for further international spread of the M-pox virus in Africa and other regions. The Committee has made public its recommendation that the situation with M-pox virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
The African Union also announced that it declared a state of emergency in order to protect public health against the M pox virus, which is rapidly spreading across the continent.
What is M Pox Virus?
M pox virus is generally transmitted by rodents, especially mice and squirrels, or by contact with infected individuals. The ways of transmission of the virus include touching the body rashes of infected individuals, using items such as clothes, sheets, towels contaminated with these rashes, and contact with body fluids.
M Pox Virus Symptoms
The virus usually begins to show symptoms within 5 to 21 days after entering the body. M pox virus infection usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- high fever
- Head, back and muscle pain
- swelling in lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Chills and shivering
- Blisters on the skin similar to chickenpox
Although there is no specific treatment method, the disease is usually treated with antiviral drugs. The majority of cases have a mild illness and recover within a few weeks.
WHO changed the condition known as “monkeypox” to “mpox” in 2022 due to concerns about racism and discrimination.
