For the second time in two years, the World Health Organisation has declared mpox a global public health emergency, following an outbreak of the viral infection in Democratic Republic of Congo.
The WHO warning came as the virus, also known as monkeypox, has spread from Congo to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Usually mild, mpox can be fatal in rare cases, and can spread through close contact. It causes pus-filled lesions on the body and flu-like symptoms.
While most people with the illness recover within two to four weeks, here’s a list of things to do if you have the infection, as cited by the HSE.
Do
— Stay at home.
— Keep away from other people until your rash heals – especially older people, anyone with a long-term medical condition, pregnant women, or children under 13. — Wash your hands properly and often. — Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue – clean your hands properly after and bin the tissue.
–Ask friends, family or delivery people to drop off food or supplies – if they stand back from the door, you can speak with them.
–Keep in touch with family and friends by phone or social media.
— Contact your GP, or a GP out-of-hours service if you need to.
Don’t
–Do not have close contact with anyone.
–Do not hug, kiss, or have sex with anyone.
–Do not go to work, school or public areas.
–Do not have visitors into your home.
–Do not have close contact with your pet, if possible.
–Do not let your pet sleep in your bed with you.