Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced it will begin activating precautionary health measures at land, sea, and air ports of entry following close monitoring for the epidemiological situation of the Mpox disease (monkeypox).
It also announced a continued state of readiness in all quarantine departments at airports, seaports, and land crossings.
According to a Thursday statement issued by the ministry, this comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a global health emergency.
How does Mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through close contact, primarily through direct exposure to the rash, contaminated clothing or linens, or through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
The infection typically results in a painful rash and the formation of vesicles on the palms of the hands.
Is this the next Coronavirus?
Research indicates that it is unlikely for Mpox to turn into a pandemic like COVID-19, even if it is now considered a global health emergency.
The WHO declares this when any disease is spreading, indicating the possibility of its transmission to other countries.
Most health emergencies do not become pandemics: there have been seven declarations of emergencies for seven diseases, of which only two turned into pandemic – swine flu and COVID-19.
The WHO has not yet recommended any restrictions on international travel regarding Mpox, but it recommends enhancing surveillance and testing procedures to detect and treat infected individuals.
