LETTERS: There's a need to dispel myths about the mpox virus. Many people, still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, are anxious and unsure whether the person next to them might carry an infectious disease.
The mpox outbreak has only fuelled this anxiety. I would like to highlight five misconceptions:
FIRST: Mpox is a homosexual disease. The Clade IIB strain that spread beyond Africa in 2022 was less virulent, with a survival rate of around 99.9 per cent.
This strain required close contact for transmission, which led to most cases being reported among people engaging in high-risk sexual activities, particularly men who have sex with men.
The current outbreak is different. The strain spreads more easily through direct contact with infected lesions, bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or close exposure to respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
SECOND: Mpox is airborne like Covid-19 and will cause another pandemic. But mpox spreads through direct contact with infected skin lesions, not through airborne transmission.
While mpox can spread through close exposure to respiratory droplets, such as during intimate activities, its primary mode of transmission is contact with visible skin lesions.
This reduces the likelihood of a widespread airborne pandemic similar to Covid-19.
THIRD: Only people in Africa or travellers are at risk. Although the virus originated in Africa, it has spread globally.
Governments have implemented public health measures to mitigate the risk. For example, in China, people and goods entering the country are being monitored for mpox over the next six months.
In Malaysia, travellers from countries with mpox cases are asked to self-monitor for 21 days upon entry.
Additionally, front-line workers have been put on alert and provided with guidance on managing suspected mpox cases.
FOURTH: Mpox is a deadly disease. In reality, most mpox cases are mild, with a relatively low mortality rate.
However, vulnerable populations — such as immunocompromised individuals, infants, and pregnant women — are at higher risk for serious complications.
Clade I is associated with more severe illness and higher mortality, with some outbreaks leading to death in up to 10 per cent of cases.
Clade II, which caused the 2022 global outbreak, leads to less severe infections, with more than 99.9 per cent of people surviving.
FIFTH: Vaccines are ineffective or unavailable. Actually, vaccines for mpox, such as JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, are effective and recommended for individuals at higher risk, including those who have had close contact with an infected person or face a higher risk of exposure.
Mass vaccination isn't advised currently.
Travellers who may be at risk should consult their healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is necessary.
Even with vaccination, it's important to continue practising preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
The Health Ministry is monitoring the situation, and it is expected that the vaccine will be made available as soon as possible if necessary.
In conclusion, we should practise compassion and ensure that accurate information is shared to prevent discrimination and encourage early reporting and treatment-seeking behaviour.
It's crucial to rely on information from trusted sources, such as the Health Ministry, particularly when reading online content.
DR DURGA VETTIVEL
Senior lecturer
School of Medicine
Faculty of Health and Medical
Sciences
Taylor's University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times