‘Extremely Worrying’ Mystery Flu-Like Illness Kills Over 100 People In Congo — ‘WHO’ On Alert5/12/2024 A mysterious disease outbreak has reportedly killed up to 143 people and sickened 376 in the Kwango province in the Southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The country’s Ministry of Health is warning people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and not touch dead bodies. People are also being urged to avoid “mass gatherings.” Infections have been detected across the country, including in the province that is recording the mysterious disease outbreak.
Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla, Dr. Rai Ragbir, is urging the Trinidad and Tobago Government to be on the alert in the event the mysterious disease makes an appearance in T&T. He is concerned that it will just be a matter of time before it begins to cross borders. Dr. Ragbir is warning of the potentially severe nature of the illness and called on the Rowley Administration to adopt a proactive stance where the disease is concerned. “I urge the Ministry of Health to monitor this unfolding situation closely. Our local health authorities must remain vigilant and ready to act swiftly should any threats emerge,” he stated. “Additionally,” Dr. Ragbir said, “the Government must urgently reassess its public health strategy and prioritize building the infrastructure necessary to respond to emerging diseases.” Recounting the challenges the country faced in the early days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and its lack of a co-ordinated approach, the Cumuto/Manzanilla MP is urging public health decision-makers to remember the harsh lessons taught during that time, noting: “We cannot afford complacency when lives are at stake…implement a comprehensive Pandemic response framework to ensure we are prepared for the next health emergency.” Patients of the disease are mostly children over fifteen (15) years old, Officials in Congo say, and are suffering from a flu-like illness with symptoms including a fever, headache, nasal discharge, cough, difficulty breathing and anemia — or a lack of healthy red blood cells. In response, the Health Ministry in Congo has sent a team of workers to treat sick people and test samples in order to identify the potential disease behind the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been alerted over the outbreak, and has sent a team to the area to investigate the illness. No information on the results of the tests has been released to date, and Officials have not speculated as to the disease behind the outbreak. It comes as the DRC also battles a raging outbreak of Monkeypox, or Mpox, that has sickened 12,500 people and led to 581 deaths. It is unclear at this point whether Monkeypox has been ruled out as a potential cause of the disease, as its main symptom — a rash on the genitals or other areas — are yet to be reported. The country has also previously reported twelve (12) outbreaks of Ebola. In one of the outbreaks, from 2020, the virus killed a staggering 2,267 people. Ebola usually starts with a sore throat and aches and pains in the muscles and joints before progressing to nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Infectious Diseases Expert and Associate Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, said that at this stage it was difficult to tell what was causing the outbreak because only general symptoms had been reported. She said more information is needed as what has been provided so far could point to a number of diseases. Asked by DailyMail.com whether it could be Monkeypox or Ebola, she said: “In what they are reporting, we have not seen any reports of skin rash or skin abnormality — which would go with Mpox. Typically, with viral hemorrhagic fever [like Ebola] you would hear reports of coughing or throwing up blood, and that has not been reported either.” She added: “The reports are concerning, but we need more data and more information about the symptoms they are seeing on the ground.” The outbreak is reported to have begun on 24th October, 2024, with cases said to have risen rapidly within the last few weeks. The Health Ministry added in its update: “Laboratory test results will be communicated as soon as they are available, and regular updates will be shared with the population and partners. Pending the conclusions of the ongoing investigations, the Ministry calls on the population to remain calm, vigilant and to strictly respect the...preventive measures.” They added: “The Ministry...expresses its deep compassion to the families affected by this tragedy and sends them its most sincere condolences.” Officials said earlier this week that the situation was “extremely worrying” and added that the death toll was rising rapidly. Patients suffering from the mystery illness were said to be dying in their own homes and struggling to receive treatment. A local Epidemiologist said women and children were the most seriously affected by the disease. A WHO Spokesperson said on Tuesday (3rd December, 2024) that the UN Health Agency had been alerted to the presence of the disease last week, and it was working alongside Congo's Public Health Ministry to make further investigations. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Sources: Daily Mail | CNC3]
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WHO Declares Mpox A Global Health Emergency As Deadlier New Strain Spreads Rapidly In Africa14/8/2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency today (Wednesday 14th August, 2024). WHO previously declared the spread of Mpox a global health emergency in July 2022 and ended it in May 2023.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals. It can spread through close contact such as touching, kissing or sex, as well as through contaminated materials like sheets, clothing and needles, according to WHO. Symptoms include a fever, a painful rash, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy and enlarged lymph nodes.
WHO convened its emergency Mpox committee amid concerns that a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, had reached four (4) previously unaffected provinces in Africa. This strain had previously been contained to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Independent experts on the committee met virtually today (Wednesday 14th August, 2024) to advise WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on the severity of the outbreak. After that consultation, he announced today that he had declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which is the highest level of alarm under international health law. PHEIC is a status given by WHO to “extraordinary events” that pose a public health risk to other countries through the international spread of disease. These outbreaks may require a co-ordinated international response, according to the organization.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on Tuesday (13th August, 2024) — the first such declaration by the agency since its inception in 2017.
Since the beginning of this year, more than 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported in thirteen (13) countries in Africa, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which classifies the outbreak as a “very high risk event.” The highest number of cases — more than 14,000 — is in the DRC, which reported 96% of confirmed cases this month. For decades, the disease had largely been found in Central and West Africa, but it also began spreading in Europe and North America in 2022. Mpox is characterized by two genetic clades, I and II. A clade is a broad grouping of viruses that has evolved over decades and is a genetic and clinically distinct group. Clade Ib is more transmissible and causes more severe disease. WHO officials previously said the virus could be contained “quite straightforwardly, if we do the right things at the right time.” They are further calling for international co-operation in financing and organizing efforts to quell the outbreak. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: CNN] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox (Mpox) is a viral illness caused by the Monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two (2) different clades exist: clade I and clade II. Monkeypox can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick. The WHO notes that anyone can get Monkeypox.
As of 20th July 2023, Trinidad and Tobago recorded four (4) cases of Monkeypox so far — all are male patients. In May 2022, a global outbreak of Monkeypox was caused by a strain known as clade IIb. The outbreak appeared suddenly and rapidly and spread across Europe, the Americas and then all six (6) WHO regions, with 111 countries reporting more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths. The global outbreak has affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and has spread person-to-person through sexual networks. The global outbreak of Monkeypox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 23rd July 2022. However, the WHO announced in May 2023 that Monkeypox is no longer a PHEIC, almost a year after the threat was raised. The virus is still around and further waves and outbreaks could continue, but the highest level of alert is over, the WHO added. The global health body's Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on countries to “remain vigilant.” Below are some important facts you should know about Monkeypox, according to the WHO. An outbreak of Monkeypox is occurring in many countries:
Symptoms of Monkeypox often include:
You can catch Monkeypox through close contact with someone who has symptoms including:
Protect yourself from Monkeypox:
Monkeypox can spread through sex:
If you think you have Monkeypox:
[Source: WHO] The Ministry of Health is informing the public that a fourth case of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today (Thursday 20th July 2023). The patient is a young adult male.
The Ministry said the relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Ministry is reminding the public to follow the general hygiene principles such as frequent handwashing and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces. Persons experiencing signs or symptoms of Mpox should visit the nearest health facility. The Ministry said it will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary. Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry's website at www.health.gov.tt/monkeypox. The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The third case was recorded less than a week later, on 17th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history; the second case was a young adult male and the third case was a young adult male with a recent travel history. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. As Trinidad and Tobago records its third Monkeypox (Mpox) case, the Ministry of Health is reminding the population of the systems implemented to manage the outbreak.
In a Media Release this morning (Tuesday 18th July 2023), the Ministry notes the first case in this current global outbreak was identified in May 2022 and peaked in August 2022. During this period the Ministry said it ensured that all protocols for testing, contact tracing and isolation were implemented, inclusive of sensitization of medical professionals. The Caura Hospital was also designated as the facility to care for any patient that may require hospitalization if necessary. The Ministry said, “It should be noted that all three (3) cases of the Mpox virus are in home isolation and do not require Hospital care at this time. Additionally, 2,800 doses of the vaccine were procured to be administered to non-symptomatic close contacts and healthcare professionals in any facility where a patient would be warded. To date, no vaccines have been administered.” With three (3) cases to date, Trinidad and Tobago is now the 113th country to record active cases, with most cases occurring in the Region of the Americas and Europe. The Ministry is reiterating that Mpox is a “self-limiting disease in most instances, and it is commonly spread by close contact with a positive case.” The Ministry advises that through its health surveillance network, it will continue to monitor the current cases of Mpox locally, regionally and internationally. “Furthermore, the Ministry will continue to update the public with all relevant information whilst adhering to the principles of patient confidentiality.” The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history while the second case was a young adult male. The Ministry of Health announced a short while ago this evening (Monday 17th July 2023) that a third case of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today. The patient is a young adult male with a recent travel history.
The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiology investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Ministry said it will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary. Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry's website at www.health.gov.tt/monkeypox. The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history while the second case was a young adult male. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Subsequent to the update provided yesterday (Tuesday 11th July 2023), the Ministry of Health is advising that a second case of Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today (Wednesday 12th July 2023). The Ministry said the patient is a young adult male.
The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiology investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) update (as at 4th July 2023), 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths. The Mpox virus can range from mild disease to severe illness and is spread through close contact or through respiratory droplets. Common signs and symptoms may include a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last two (2) to four (4) weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit their nearest health facility. The Ministry said it will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary. Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry's website at www.health.gov.tt/monkeypox. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Health announced a short while ago this evening (Tuesday 11th July 2023) that the first confirmed case of Monkeypox virus was detected in Trinidad and Tobago today.
The Ministry said the patient is a middle-aged male with travel related history. He was tested earlier today and the sample was then sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency's (CARPHA) laboratory via the Trinidad Public Health Lab. The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has initiated the local public health response, which includes contact tracing. The Ministry is taking this opportunity to remind the public that the Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) update (as at 4th July 2023), 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths. The Mpox virus can range from mild disease to severe illness and is spread through close contact or through respiratory droplets. Common signs and symptoms may include a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last two (2) to four (4) weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit their nearest health facility. The public is also reminded to maintain good hygiene practices such as hand washing or sanitizing where appropriate. The Ministry is reminding the public that the Mpox vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago. However, at this time, it would be utilized for contacts of known positives only. The Ministry said it will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary. Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry's website at www.health.gov.tt. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Health is advising the general public that Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The advisory was issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) after the fifth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee, held on Wednesday (10th May 2023), regarding the multi-country outbreak of Mpox.
In a Media Release yesterday (Thursday 11th May 2023), the Ministry said the Committee noted the sustained decline in reported cases globally and thus WHO concurred with the advice that the event no longer constitutes a PHEIC. The Committee also recognized a 90% decline in reported cases within the last three (3) months. However, they noted that the virus continues to be transmitted within certain communities. While there were no confirmed cases of this virus in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry said it will “remain vigilant” through its surveillance programmes directed against Monkeypox and all other infectious diseases to safeguard the health of the public. The Ministry advises it will continue to keep the public updated as necessary. Trinidad and Tobago received an additional 1,400 doses of the World Health Organization (WHO) approved ‘Mpox’ vaccines on Thursday (15th December 2022). The Ministry of Health said in a Media Release that this completes the receipt of 2,800 doses of the two-dose ‘Mpox’ vaccines and would allow the vaccination of 1,400 persons, as per the WHO interim guidelines.
The first batch of 1,400 doses of ‘Mpox’ vaccines arrived in the country on Tuesday (13th December 2022). In late November 2022, the WHO introduced the preferred terminology ‘Mpox’ as a synonym for Monkeypox. In keeping with the WHO interim guidelines dated 16th November 2022, which can be found at https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/WHO-MPX-Immunization, individuals who meet the criteria, as listed below, would be eligible:
The County Medical Officers of Health (CMOHs) will actively reach out to persons who are deemed contacts, to offer vaccinations to these individuals as a mass vaccination campaign would not be utilized at this time. The Ministry concluded its Media Release by saying, “The Government of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to safeguarding the health of the population and will continue to provide safe and effective WHO-approved vaccines to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” |
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