TCMA Warns About Monkeypox: Screening at Border Entries is Essential!

Highlighting the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, the TCMA underlined the need for careful monitoring and control to prevent the virus from spreading.

In their statement, the TCMA pointed out the rising number of monkeypox cases in African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Uganda, and the potential risk of the virus spreading beyond Africa.

Monkeypox, which shares symptoms with smallpox but generally presents milder effects, has a reported mortality rate of 4-5% in adults and up to 10% in children. Infants under one year of age, individuals with compromised immune systems, those with a history of eczema, and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

The TCMA detailed the clinical symptoms of monkeypox, including fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and a rash that typically appears 1-3 days after the onset of fever. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, progressing from flat red spots to blisters, pustules, and eventually crusts.

Transmission of the monkeypox virus can occur from animals to humans, as well as through direct human contact, contaminated surfaces, sexual contact, and respiratory droplets. The TCMA stressed the importance of avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals and practicing thorough handwashing after any potential exposure.

While monkeypox is generally mild, it can lead to severe health complications, including death. The TCMA urged the Ministry of Health to convene the Communicable Diseases Committee with a specific focus on monkeypox, emphasizing the need to develop a strategic action plan. With the new academic year approaching and the expected arrival of students from countries affected by monkeypox, the TCMA called for rigorous screening measures to prevent a possible outbreak in the country. The TCMA also urged the Ministries of Health and Interior to coordinate and implement these necessary controls as soon as possible.