There have been increased cases of zoonotic pathogens in Africa.
Currently, in Africa, there is an advancing risk of outbreaks brought about by zoonotic pathogens, one of which is the Monkeypox virus. The virus originated in animals before it switched species to infect humans too. It is a viral zoonosis that possesses similar symptoms that were visible in smallpox patients in the past. The virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, and its transmission to humans occur through close contact with infected humans or animals, or a virus-contaminated material.
At a virtual press, held on the July 13th, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) affirmed that there has been a 63 percent increase in the statistics of zoonotic outbreaks from 2012 to 2022, in comparison with 2001 to 2011. Present at the conference was the Director of Public Health (Ghana Health Service), Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe; Regional Representative for Africa, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Dr. Karim Tounkara; WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, and others.
Increased cases of Monkeypox is visible in April 2022, compared to 2021.
During the press conference, WHO released an analysis that revealed that between 2001 and 2022, 1,843 verified public health events were recorded in the WHO African Region. Of all these events, 30 percent were zoonotic disease outbreaks. These numbers have increased in the last two decades, but in 2019 and 2020, there was a notable spike when about 50 percent of public health events were represented by zoonotic pathogens. Almost 70 percent of the outbreaks comprised of Ebola Virus Disease and other viral Hemorrhagic fevers, while the other 30 percent was covered by Dengue fever, Monkeypox, Plague, Anthrax, and other diseases.
According to the latest data, cases of Monkeypox have had a substantial increase since April 2022, compared to April 2021. This seeming increase is more prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. The outbreak of this disease could, in some ways, be attributed to enhanced surveillance and laboratory testing capacity, nevertheless, more detailed investigations are going on. The increase, however, is lower than cases in 2020, when the highest monthly cases were reported.
Zoonotic diseases could spread from remote areas to urban areas.
Since 2017, there has been an increasing rise in the cases of Monkeypox. Between January 1st and July 8th, 2022, there have been a total of 2,087 cases of the disease, with 203 confirmed reports. From the 203 confirmed cases, the cumulative case fatality rate is 2.4 percent. There are also 175 confirmed cases with case specific data, which comprises of 53 per cent male whose average age was 17 years.
There are several reasons attached to the sudden increase in zoonotic cases in Africa. Across the globe, Africa has the fastest growing population, which also brings about an increasing demand for food derived from animals which could include milk, eggs, and meat. The rapid population growth also speeds up the rise in urbanization and encroachment on wildlife habitats. There has also been the improvement of roads, railways, boats and flights across Africa, thereby creating more risks of zoonotic disease outbreaks spreading from remote areas with few inhabitants to large urban areas.
Skin-to-skin contact could spread Monkeypox infection.
Above all, according to the CDC, there is no specific treatment approved for Monkeypox virus infections, but its genetic similarity with Smallpox makes it possible for it to be prevented or treated by antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to fight smallpox. The virus could spread from one person to another through direct contact with the infectious rash, body fluids, open sores or scabs. To avoid getting infected, one should not have a skin-to-skin contact with people that are infected; no kissing, hugging, cuddling or sex with someone infected; and no sharing of eating utensils or cups with an infected person.
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Various disease are just reoccurring imagine after years of covid issues Africans are having another one at hand and all seems to come through animals,Monkeypox again and this is so alarming because it can be spread through body contact,WHO should please spread awareness and more vaccination please
The outbreak of zoonotics diseases is really sickening. It shows the contact between humans and animals is getting very cordial to the extent that diseases that are only transmitted from one animal to another, is now being transmitted to humans beings too. The profound one of the disease is monkeypox which has now been discovered in Nigeria in recent times.
Nigeria is always having several outbreaks. The health workers need to raise awareness about this virus , they should let people know the causes, what to do when they get it and also what to do after they’ve been cured.
Awareness should be create about this virus so people will know the kind of virus it is and how to prevent it, they say prevention is better than cure. This virus should not be neglect but should be fight off becos it is easily to contact the virus so all preventive measure should be taken in other not to let this virus spread.
I think something needs to be done about the increase in population in this country. This is mostly common in the northern part of Nigeria. The government should do their best in regulating child birth, so they won’t put other peoples life at risk because of their ignorance.
Nigeria should be able to afford free healthcare to all citizens. Majority of outbreaks or epidemic could be contained if citizens can go see a doctor for free. Viruses can spread so rapidly and kill people in thousands if not contained in timely manner. Nigeria should do more to the healthcare system and invest more in the lives of the citizens. A healthy citizens results to a healthy economy!
What we really need right now is awareness about all this viruses. I’m sure that over 70% of residents in this country are not aware of this virus and some might have contacted it without knowing and like that it spreads across to other people. Health practitioners should make it known to people that there is a disease called zoonotic.
The outbreak of diseases this day is quite alarming.
Different species of diseases keep evolving every day, and we can’t help but just watch.
Currently, the best we can do is to create more awareness and gear up our medical sector to prepare for the unexpected, doing this will give us a fighting chance.
There is the need to create more awareness about these zoonotic diseases. Just like Ebola was dealt with in Lagos Nigeria wẹ can also deal with every other Zoonotic diseases. I will like us to call on all well meaning stakeholders to join in the fight against these diseases otherwise we will have a situation that is beyond control if we allow it to spread to the urban regions of the country.
Zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi. These germs can cause many different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from mild to serious illness and even death so I expect the government to monitor and teach how to fight this disease
The health sector is the most retarded sector in Nigeria. The government her meant to invest heavily in the health sector and provide all their needs, so when we have breakouts like this , it will be easy to tackle them.
The outbreak of this disease is escalating, WHO should develop a specific treatment or vaccines to counter and prevent the Monkeypox
virus infections from turning to another pandemic.
Virus is not something we should try as joke let people know about the existence of the virus so the can know how to take care of they self and how to prevent from getting the virus. Preventive measure should be taking on the virus
Since the WHO has affirmed a significant increase of the virus, they should start working uptight. People should also be sensitized, also preventive measures should be in place. We don’t need another pandemic
Africa countries need to do lots in term of health provision because we are lack behind compare to developed,then lots of campaign or enlightenment need to be done to sensitise people on the cause,danger and precautions needed to eradicate the disease.
Why is all these deadly viruses always starting from Africa? We are grateful that God has blessed us with a strong immune system. If not, these viruses would have gotten the better of us.
These past few years, we have been really struggling with diseases all over the world, and it is only Almighty Allah that can help us out; I hope he takes control.
I’m suspecting it’s the illiteracy in most parts of Africa that is making us not know how to avoid these viruses because it’s getting too much now.
Awareness is highly recommended!
Preventive measure should be taking on the virus…so people will know how to take care of their selves and how to prevent from getting the virus….more vaccination be provided too.
The World Health Organisation should put more effort into helping us in Africa, and they should help create awareness here by organising programs that will enlighten Africans. This will help a lot
Because of the rapid increase in population in Africa, which also hastens the emergence of urbanisation and the encroachment on wildlife habitats, which contribute to the spread of numerous viruses, we need to implement population control measures.
Zoonotic diseases are becoming too rampant nowadays. Most of these animals always carry one virus or the other, and we need to avoid them.
Because the monkeypox virus can be passed from person to person by skin-to-skin contact, we must take precautions to avoid coming into physical contact with those who are already sick so that we do not catch the disease. May the Lord be with us
All these viruses always have a stronghold In Africa because of the poor health care services we have here, if the government works on this we will be able to contain this viruses.
It is high time we work on science and technology here in Nigeria Africa. We can’t continue to depend on the foreign countries to fight diseases. Just like Ebola was resisted in Nigeria by the Nigerian we can start development our medical ways of dealing with such diseases.we can’t allow zoonotic diseases to become endemic and out of control before we start looking for solution. Now is the time to act.
We need good Education from primary to university, about a our health and it importance. with education we can be able to overcome diseases in Africa