By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia is on high alert after the World Health Organization declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans.
The recent declaration emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts across Africa to address and mitigate the outbreak. In response to this declaration, the Ministry of Health in Gambia has issued a statement reassuring the public that significant efforts are underway in close collaboration with communities. These efforts aim to strengthen measures to prevent pox by enhancing surveillance, improving preparedness, and bolstering response mechanisms. While there have been no confirmed cases of Mpox in Gambia, the Ministry of Health remains on high alert and has intensified several precautionary measures.
The Ministry encourages the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, promptly report any unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility and adhere to its recommendations. The Ministry of Health of The Gambia reaffirms its dedication to protecting the health and well-being of all Gambians.
Symptoms of Mpox may include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. In certain instances, the condition can result in serious complications, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. The Ministry also noted that Mpox mainly spreads through contact with infected animals or human blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions and can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during close, prolonged contact.
