Introduction
AFRICA: MPOX is a viral disease related to smallpox, caused by the mpox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family (Saraswat & Shah, 2023).
Although less severe than smallpox, Mpox can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that evolves into fluid-filled pustules (Naji, 2022). Predominantly found in central and west Africa, recent global outbreaks have also been reported, showing its potential to spread beyond endemic regions (Shah et al., 2023).
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates, or close human-to-human contact, including respiratory droplets and contaminated materials (Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, 2022). Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure, and while most individuals recover within weeks, severe cases can occur, especially in those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention (Zahmatyar et al., 2023).
Economic Consequences of Outbreak
A Mpox outbreak can have significant economic repercussions on a country’s economy, primarily through increased healthcare expenditures, reduced economic productivity and altered financial metrics.
Healthcare spending often surges as governments prioritise containment and treatment measures, leading to a rise in healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP, which can strain budgets and reduce resources for other essential services (Alshahrani, 2023).
The outbreak may also slow GDP growth due to disruptions in economic activities, especially in labor-intensive sectors like agriculture and services. As businesses temporarily shut down or scale back operations, unemployment rates are likely to rise, particularly affecting the retail and hospitality sectors (Stancu et al., 2023).
Additionally, supply chain disruptions and escalating healthcare costs can contribute to inflationary pressures, increasing prices in localised areas. Governments may need to increase borrowing to finance their outbreak response, potentially resulting in a higher debt-to-GDP ratio and diminished fiscal space for other expenditures (Srivastava et al., 2023).
For countries heavily dependent on exports, a decrease in foreign exchange earnings can affect foreign reserves and lead to potential currency depreciation.
Moreover, the fiscal deficit may widen as a result of increased spending and declining tax revenues, possibly necessitating austerity measures or additional borrowing, which could impede economic recovery.
Understanding these multifaceted impacts is crucial for formulating comprehensive strategies to manage immediate challenges and mitigate long-term economic effects during health emergencies.
Present Treatment Options
Currently, there is no specific cure for Mpox; treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief, managing complications, and preventing long-term effects. Smallpox vaccines like ACAM2000 and Jynneos are effective against Mpox due to the similarity between the viruses (Rizk et al., 2022).
ACAM2000, a live vaccine, is made by Emergent BioSolutions in the U.S., while Jynneos, a safer, non-replicating vaccine suitable for immunocompromised individuals, is produced by Bavarian Nordic in Denmark (Nainwal & Jakhmola, 2022).
Antivirals such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX) show promise in treating Mpox by inhibiting viral spread. Though primarily approved for smallpox, Tecovirimat is being used under compassionate use for Mpox and is undergoing further studies (Abdelghany et al., 2024; Ortiz-Saavedra et al., 2022). Supportive care involves managing symptoms like fever, pain, and skin lesions with antipyretics, pain relievers, fluids, and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections (Fenton & Lee, 2022).
Way Forward
To limit the spread of a Mpox epidemic, countries should implement comprehensive measures focusing on public health, surveillance, education and international collaboration. Strengthening surveillance systems and early detection is crucial for quick intervention and containment, as highlighted by Anwar et al. in 2024.
Training healthcare workers, equipping laboratories for accurate diagnosis, and deploying rapid response teams for contact tracing and isolation are essential steps (Ren et al., 2022). Enhancing public health infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and vaccination capacity, especially in high-risk areas, is important for controlling outbreaks (Giovanetti et al., 2023).
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Public education campaigns are vital for raising awareness about symptoms and prevention, promoting good hygiene practices (Faheem et al., 2024). Controlling animal reservoirs and enforcing trade regulations can reduce zoonotic transmission (Bunge, 2022).
Quarantine and travel restrictions, along with effective screening at ports of entry, help prevent cross-border spread. Investing in research and development for rapid diagnostics and vaccines is also critical for preparedness (Ren et al., 2022).
Collaborating with international organisations like the WHO is key for coordinated responses and preventing outbreaks. By implementing these strategies, countries can significantly reduce the risk of a Mpox epidemic.
Conclusion
Given the recent spread of Mpox and its potential health and economic impacts, it is essential for Tanzania, particularly the Ministry of Health, to stay vigilant. Despite not having large-scale outbreaks, the global movement of people and goods makes every country vulnerable. The Ministry should strengthen surveillance, raise public awareness and prepare healthcare facilities to handle potential cases. Proactive measures now will help protect Tanzania’s population and economy from the effects of this viral disease, ensuring the health system is prepared to respond to any emerging threats.
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