What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by a virus that can infect humans through animals. Transmission can occur through blood or bodily fluids; rodents and primates are common hosts. It has symptoms similar to smallpox but is less severe; it kills few people. It also has nothing to do with chickenpox. Although the disease is uncommon, the UK has recorded three thousand cases, with Europe accounting for 80 percent of new cases this year.

Symptoms, Transmission, and Vaccine

The period in which the disease is in incubation can be one to two weeks. After that, the patient will experience symptoms like fever, back pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, intense headache, muscle aches, and lack of energy for another week. Once the fever starts, the patient will experience skin eruptions, mainly on the face and extremities. Skin eruptions can also occur in the mouth, cornea, and private parts. Swelling of the lymph nodes is how Monkeypox distinguishes itself from similar diseases like smallpox, measles, and chickenpox.

The virus can spread through close contact with an infected person, and that includes sex. Fortunately, the smallpox vaccine is effective against the virus.

The WHO’s Response to Monkeypox

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised its alert level to the highest and declared the Monkeypox virus a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO is taking the following steps in response to the outbreak:

• Initiating public health investigations using contact tracing, lab investigation, clinical management, and isolation with supportive care;
• Genomic sequencing to learn more about the virus and its origins;
• Encouraging vaccinations, especially for healthcare workers;
• Surveillance and information sharing among health authorities;
• Provision of funds to countries with limited testing capabilities and supplies to establish monkeypox virus identification and sequencing.

Monkeypox and Global Trade

Monkeypox is a new concern as it is springing up in new spots worldwide. The world is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which unprecedentedly impacted worldwide social and economic activity. World leaders are apprehensive about any new virus that could be as devastating.

As the world grapples with the Monkeypox virus, old concerns arise, such as access to vaccines, vaccination drives, screenings, and infection rates. Nations are relying on old stocks of vaccines initially intended for smallpox. The preferable vaccine is Jynneos, but only 16 million doses are available worldwide, as there wasn't the anticipation of Monkeypox breaking out.

The effect on business and trade from Monkeypox may not be as severe as COVID-19, since it is less deadly and not as easily transmissible. Nonetheless, as a secondary pandemic, it does bring complications. Businesses will need to be cautious about relaxing current health measures, governments will be quicker to enact restrictions, and investors will be risk averse. Companies in the medical field will make gains as governments take preventative measures, but other industries, like tourism, will be apprehensive.

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