Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 15, 2024 6 months, 6 days, 17 hours, 52 minutes ago
Mpox News: Since the declaration of a Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak by Ohio State, and more specifically in Cuyahoga County, on April 25, the state has witnessed a troubling rise in cases.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/cleveland-ohio-reports-new-outbreak-of-monkeypox-with-11-cases-detected
Mpox Infections are Still Rising in Ohio
As of April 26, there were 11 reported cases, but that number has since tripled to a total of 33 confirmed cases. This surge has raised concerns among healthcare professionals who fear a silent spread due to stigma preventing some infected individuals from seeking testing and treatment.
The State of the Outbreak
According to the latest updates from Ohio Department of Health’s Summary of Infectious Diseases dashboard and local
Mpox News coverages, 33 confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded in Ohio since the start of 2024. Cuyahoga County, with 16 cases, is the epicenter of this outbreak.
https://ccbh.net/mpox-dashboard/
Neighboring Summit County has reported six cases, while Franklin and Hamilton counties have each seen three.
In August 2022, the United States government declared the Mpox virus a national public health emergency. Although the current number of cases in 2024 is significantly lower than the 393 cases seen in 2022, the increase from 28 cases in 2023 to 33 so far in 2024 is alarming, especially given the availability of the Mpox vaccine, introduced in 2022, which had drastically reduced the number of cases.
An outbreak is defined as a situation where more cases of a disease are observed than expected within a specific time period and population. The unexpected rise in mpox cases this year fits this definition.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, is an infection caused by the Mpox virus. It is characterized by skin lesions that begin as a rash and can spread from the face to other parts of the body. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health has outlined the ways Mpox can spread:
-Close contact with an infected person
-Contact with contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding, or towels
Touching Mpox lesions on another person's skin
-Exposure to respiratory droplets or secretions from an infected person
While Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. It is also important to note that Mpox is not a "gay" infection, despite a disproportionate number of cases being found in the LGBTQ+ community. This higher detection rate among men who have sex with men is attributed to regular testing for sexually transmitted infections and heightened awareness among healthcare pr
oviders.
Symptoms and Prevention
Mpox symptoms can appear anywhere from 5 to 21 days after exposure and include:
-A rash, which may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals
-Swollen lymph nodes
-Fever
-Muscle aches
-Headache
-Exhaustion
-Cough or sore throat
An individual is no longer considered infectious once all lesions have healed and scabs have fallen off.
To protect against Mpox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps:
-Get Vaccinated: The JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for Mpox prevention. The Mpox Vaccine Locator can help find nearby healthcare providers offering the vaccine.
-Lower Your Risk: Learn how to reduce your risk of Mpox during sexual activities or social gatherings. Only indulged in protected sex with the usage of condoms.
-Avoid Contact: Steer clear of close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash resembling Mpox.
-Avoid Contaminated Objects: Do not touch objects and materials used by someone with Mpox such as towels, bedsheets, shaving blades etc
-Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also urges anyone who believes they may have been exposed to Mpox to seek testing from a healthcare provider
immediately, as there is currently no self-test available.
The Challenge of Stigma and Misinformation
One of the major challenges in controlling the spread of Mpox is the stigma associated with the disease. Many individuals are hesitant to come forward for testing and treatment due to fear of judgment or discrimination. This reluctance contributes to the silent spread of the virus, making it more difficult to contain.
Healthcare providers have been advised to consider Mpox during all screenings, especially when seeing patients with lesions or rashes. Particular attention is given to those identified as part of at-risk populations, such as Black male men who have sex with men (MSM).
Moving Forward
The rise in Mpox cases in Ohio serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public health. While the number of cases in 2024 is still relatively low compared to 2022, the increase compared to last year indicates that the virus is still a significant threat. Public health officials are working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage vaccination and testing to control the outbreak.
As the situation evolves, staying informed and adhering to recommended preventive measures is crucial. By working together, communities can help curb the spread of Mpox and protect those most vulnerable to the infection.
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Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
