UAE doctors say ‘no reason for panic’ as WHO declares public health emergency for mpox

WHO’s announcement was made following a rapid outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which further caused a spread in neighbouring countries.

However, are residents in the UAE at risk of contracting this disease? Here is what doctors told Arabian Business.

UAE doctors advise on mpox precautions

“Though mpox is been declared as a public health emergency last week by the WHO, there is no reason for panic. The government and the health regulation authorities of the UAE is very active in monitoring and surveillance of such diseases,” Dr Jyothish George, Director of Vaccine Services, Prime Hospital said.

Echoing the sentiment, Dr Marwan Abdelatif Ali Ismail, a specialist in Family Medicine at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Dhafra, advised residents to “follow any health guidelines issued by the authorities.”

But, what exactly is mpox?

Mpox is a virus from the same family as smallpox. First identified in 1958 in research monkeys, it’s a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and between humans.

According to Dr George, symptoms include headache, fever and chills, rashes (similar to, but not exactly like chicken pox), swollen lymph nodes, muscle pains, weakness.

However, the symptoms of the illness can vary among individuals. “[For some] a rash may appear before or simultaneously with other symptoms and does not always progress over the body. The first lesion can be in the groin, anus, or in or around the mouth,” Dr Ismail explained, adding that the disease is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.

This can include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact such as through contaminated clothing or bedding, he said.

How can UAE residents get an mpox vaccine?

Regarding vaccination, Dr Ismail explained the vaccination is “generally reserved for high-risk groups.”

Moreover, vaccinations are currently only available in “certain limited countries where the regulatory bodies have approved the vaccine for restricted usage,” according to Dr George, who further added that “as of now there is no recommendation for general public vaccination.”

However, residents can take “certain antiviral medications are available for severe cases treatment” and recommends eating “healthy, nutritious food” to increase immunity, he said.

Can UAE residents travel?

In terms of safety measures, Dr George advises caution when travelling to affected areas, avoiding close contact with people who have rashes resembling mpox, and seeking medical help for any queries or symptoms.

In addition, Dr Ismail urged residents to “practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms, and remain informed about local health advisories to stay safe.”

He further advised residents to stay hydrate and manage symptoms with fever reducers.