Morocco Reports First Mpox Case Amid Global Health Emergency
Morocco has reported its first case of mpox in a man from Marrakech, according to the health ministry. This case comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current mpox outbreak a global health emergency last month due to a new variant spreading rapidly in central Africa.
The Moroccan authorities haven’t specified which variant the man has, but he is receiving treatment and is stable.
The health ministry is now tracking and monitoring everyone who had contact with the infected man, and none of them are showing symptoms yet.
Mpox can spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated items like bedding and clothing.
While mpox can clear up on its own within 14 to 21 days, it can be serious or fatal, especially for vulnerable groups like young children.
In severe cases, it can cause widespread lesions. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
So far in 2024, over 20,000 cases and 500 deaths have been reported across 14 African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo experiencing the highest number.
Vaccines have started arriving in the DRC, but it may take weeks for them to reach the hardest-hit areas.
WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to control the outbreak and save lives.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rwr7rxrj5o