Health Protection Agency (HPA) has begun work to bring the relevant authorities to a state of preparedness regarding monkeypox. The work began due to the high chance that monkeypox could be discovered in the Maldives, as a large number of travellers visit the country.
As part of the efforts, HPA has provided information on monkeypox to health authorities and journalists, and a meeting was held with the relevant institutions to discuss the necessary preparations to be made in the country.
The Maldives began implementing measures to counter the spread of infectious diseases following the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the country now has the means to quarantine infected individuals and also has resources such as personal protective equipment (PPEs) to counter the spread of infectious diseases.
The latest update from World Health Organisation (WHO) states that, since May 13, cases of monkeypox have been reported from 28 countries where monkeypox is not usual or has not previously been reported. In addition, there are 1,536 suspected cases reported from eight countries in Africa since the beginning of the year, of which 59 cases have been confirmed and 72 deaths reported.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild and is endemic in parts of the west and central Africa. The transmission of the virus among humans is limited, but it can happen through close skin contact, air droplets, bodily fluids, and virus-contaminated objects, and can be contained through such measures as self-isolation and hygiene.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6-13 days but can range from 5-21 days. Within 1-3 days after the appearance of fever, infected individuals develop a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for the monkeypox virus infection.