Mpox in the Middle East: How to diminish the risk?

Health experts have issued a warning about Monkeypox (Mpox) in the UAE. The advisory was issued in Abu Dhabi amid a surge in cases across the Middle East. Mpox may spread among persons who have been in contact with the patient or have had sexual intercourse with them. The health ministry, in its advisory, urges people who have been in contact with patients to quarantine at their homes for at least 21 days. Meanwhile, patients will be monitored at the hospitals until they recover.

How does it spread?
The mpox virus spreads mainly through close, physical contact with a person or animal. It could also spread through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or physical contact with infected objects. Droplets that become airborne when an infected person sneezes or coughs may carry the virus. Suspected mpox cases would be admitted to isolated wards in government hospitals. Meanwhile, the details of patients seeking treatment at private hospitals should be handed over to the government, and the patients would then be moved to government-run isolation facilities.

In the Abu Dhabi emirate, mpox patients are transferred to the isolation centres at Al Rahba Hospital, Al Ain Hospital, and Liwa Hospital. The virus could be transmitted from the stage when lesions appear on the patient’s body until they scab over and fall off.

Avoid physical contact
Direct physical contact with lesions, fluid-filled blisters, or bodily fluids is one of the major reasons for person–to–person infection. Meanwhile, a foetus may get infected from an infected mother through the placenta.

Unsafe sexual intercourse
Mpox is mostly seen among people who indulge in unsafe sexual practises or have more than one sexual partner. The virus can spread through bodily fluids exchanged during kissing or by touching blisters during hugs. Mpox has been widely reported in bachelor pads where lots of people live under the same roof.

Risky objects
Clothing, bedspreads, towels, or utensils used by a patient could be contaminated with the virus.

Animal – to – human spread
Virus spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals (mainly monkeys, squirrel and rats). Handling or eating undercooked meat of infected animals, too, may cause the disease.

Prevention
Maintaining a safe distance from infected persons, washing hands with soap and water, and avoiding contact with patients' clothing and other objects are the most effective and easiest ways to prevent mpox. Maintaining social distancing while travelling or at gatherings will also reduce the risk of spreading.