In a strategic move to address the rising threat of Mpox in the country, the City of Kigali has called upon all commercial building owners–private or public–to put in place handwashing stations for people accessing the premises.
According to a press release by the City of Kigali, the initiative is aimed at promoting personal hygiene as well as preventing the spread of diseases, particularly Mpox that has recently affected a number of countries in the region. The authorities thus warned all those who will fail to abide by the directives to await penalties as per the 2021 Kigali City Council regulations.
This directive comes after the Ministry of Health reported four new cases of Mpox linked to a history of travel outside Rwanda on 16 August 2024.
The Ministry of Health, however, assures the general public that the situation is under control and extensive measures have been taken to prevent further cases.
Understanding Mpox
Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. The virus belongs to the Ortho poxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus, responsible for smallpox. Mpox was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The illness further broke out globally in 2022-2023 caused by a strain known as llb.
Causes and Transmission
Mpox is primarily transmitted to humans from animals, particularly rodents and primates (squirrels, rats, and monkeys).
Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious skin lesions, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials through touch, kissing or sexual intercourse. Infected pregnant women may pass the virus to their unborn baby.
The virus can also spread through contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The disease typically presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
This is followed by a characteristic rash that progresses to pustules which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) last 2-4 weeks.
Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests, including PCR and serological assays.
Treatment and Management
According to Health practitioners, there is no specific treatment for mpox. Thus, supportive care focusing on relieving symptoms and preventing complications is highly recommended.
However, in cases of severity, antiviral medications and vaccines used for smallpox may be considered. This should be taken within four days of contact with an infected person or within 14 days if there are no symptoms, says WHO.
Additionally, people at higher risks of catching the virus are advised to consider vaccination to prevent infections. These include health workers, sex workers and people with multiple partners.
Furthermore, isolation of infected individuals and contact tracing are crucial components of managing outbreaks.
Ultimately, people are urged to avoid direct contact with those affected with the disease, as well as wild animals.
