Introduction
As we all know, four years ago the world experienced the Covid-19 lockdown, one of the most traumatic lockdowns in recent history. It caused many people to lose their jobs and homes, and we faced shortages of supplies, with toilet paper being a notable issue. Now, it seems we might be facing a similar situation with Mpox, also known as Monkeypox. Could Mpox lead to another lockdown?
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can affect humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, along with a fever. The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment.
History of Mpox
The first recorded case of Mpox was in Denmark in 1958, when the virus was discovered in a monkey being kept for research. The first human case occurred in 1970, in a 9-month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After the smallpox vaccine was developed, smallpox was officially eradicated in 1980. However, Mpox resurfaced, primarily in Central and East Africa. In 2003, the United States experienced an outbreak of Mpox, and by 2005, over a thousand cases had been reported.
Mpox has two variants: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I, which primarily caused earlier outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa, had a higher death rate of around 10%. Clade II, responsible for the 2022 outbreak, is less severe, with a death rate of 1–3.3% and over 99.9% of people surviving. In 2022, a new variant of Clade I, called Clade Ib, emerged, leading to further outbreaks. By August 2024, over 100,000 confirmed cases and more than 220 deaths had been reported globally.
Prevention
To prevent Mpox, there are many steps people can take:
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact
- Avoid contact with objects or surfaces used by someone with Mpox
- If you show signs of Mpox, isolate yourself, stay home, and always wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus
- If you’re in West or Central Africa, where Mpox outbreaks are more common, avoid contact with dead animals
Conclusion: Will There Be Another Lockdown?
While some people have been concerned that Mpox could lead to another lockdown, it seems unlikely. On August 14, 2024, the Director-General declared the outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern. However, Mpox cases have since declined and are not considered a major global threat at this time.
