As of 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), with particular concern for the ongoing severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC has reported over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths this year alone. The outbreak is driven by a new variant, clade 1b, which has also spread to neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. This clade is more severe compared to clade 2, which caused the global outbreak in 2022-2023.
The WHO has convened an emergency meeting to assess whether the situation should be classified as a public health emergency of international concern. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also initiated measures to accelerate vaccine access, particularly for low-income countries. The organization has developed a $15 million response plan to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts in affected regions (Wikipedia) (UN News).
Herewith some advices about how to protect ourselves and what PPE need under monkeypox break:
Protecting yourself from monkeypox involves a combination of personal hygiene practices, vaccination, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Here are the key measures:
1. Vaccination:
- Get vaccinated if you are at high risk or have been exposed. The smallpox vaccine (Jynneos) has been shown to be effective against monkeypox.
2. Avoid Close Contact:
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact, especially with people who have a rash or other symptoms typical of monkeypox, like blisters or sores.
- Avoid close contact with materials like bedding, clothing, or towels that have been in contact with someone with monkeypox.
3. Practice Good Hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with people or materials that could be contaminated.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.
4. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear gloves, face masks, and other protective gear if you need to care for someone with monkeypox or if you might come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
5. Safe Social Distancing:
- Avoid crowded settings where close, prolonged contact might occur. If you’re in such settings, use a mask and maintain physical distance.
6. Disinfect Surfaces:
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, especially those that are frequently touched, like doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom fixtures.
7. Recognize Symptoms Early:
- Be aware of early symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion, followed by a rash that turns into lesions. Seek medical attention if you develop these symptoms.
8. Isolate If Exposed or Symptomatic:
- If you suspect you have been exposed to monkeypox or are showing symptoms, isolate yourself from others and contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
9. Follow Health Guidelines:
- Stay updated on local health advisories and follow any public health recommendations or mandates related to monkeypox.
For monkeypox, the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended for healthcare providers and anyone in close contact with infected individuals:
1. Gloves
- Disposable, non-sterile gloves should be worn when handling potentially contaminated materials, including during direct patient care or when cleaning/disinfecting areas.
2. Gowns
- Long-sleeved, fluid-resistant or impermeable gowns should be used to protect clothing from exposure.
3. Face Masks/Respirators
- A well-fitted N95 or higher-level respirator is recommended, especially during procedures that generate aerosols. Surgical masks can be used for routine care if aerosol-generating procedures are not involved.
4. Eye Protection
- Goggles or face shields should be worn to protect against droplets and splashes.
5. Boot or Shoe Covers
- Disposable covers may be used when significant contamination of footwear is anticipated, especially in environments with high contamination risks.
6. Head Covering
- Hair covers may be recommended in some settings, especially where there is a high risk of contamination.
Proper Protocols and Hygiene:
- Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after donning/doffing PPE.
- PPE Disposal and Reuse Guidelines: Follow protocols for safe disposal or reuse, ensuring no cross-contamination.
