Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that it is preparing means of testing and treatment for monkeypox, due to the high number of cases around the world.
HPA made the statement in a press release following the decision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to label monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) after stating that the rapidly spreading outbreak represents a global health emergency. The PHEIC is the WHO’s highest level of alert, designed to trigger a coordinated international response and unlock funding to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments. The latest reports show that monkeypox has affected over 15,000 people in 72 countries, resulting in five deaths.
In the press release, HPA stated that the spread of monkeypox in other countries shows that the disease has a high chance of being detected in the Maldives. The health agency added that the means of transmission is different from that of COVID-19 and advised individuals who show symptoms of monkeypox to refrain from being in close contact with others and receive immediate testing and treatment. It noted that the chance of an outbreak is low but that individuals should still take precautionary measures such as being diligent in washing their hands and wearing masks, as well as avoiding crowded places.
Furthermore, HPA stated that it is monitoring the international situation and preparing means of testing for monkeypox and treating the disease in the Maldives. As such, health workers are working together to establish a system by which testing and treatment can be conducted in an organised manner. The work involves enhancing surveillance mechanisms, formulating the guideline for treatment, and procuring vaccines and other medicine and medical resources.
Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%, according to WHO.
