Seeing that the Covid-19 pandemic already had effective vaccines and treatments, it seemed that the course would be a more comfortable health situation in the medium term.
But what many warned happened: another threat arrived. We have the reemergence of another infectious agent with the potential to cause another pandemic.
Caused by a smallpox-like virus, “monkeypox” has been occurring in African countries for many decades. The number of annual cases exceeds 1,000, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As already described in this column, transmission follows the path of direct contact with lesions, mainly in children and young adults. That’s because older people enjoy protection from the smallpox vaccine, which stopped being used in the 1980s.
We are seeing the number of “monkeypox” cases increase in various regions, with more than 6,000 cases in 52 countries (as of this writing).
The latest communication from the Ministry of Health counts 76 confirmed cases in Brazil, but the number is expected to grow rapidly. Several doctors, mainly infectologists, are receiving many suspected cases. Confirmation depends on tests that take days to complete.
The difference in the current outbreak is that the transmission of the virus has also occurred through sexual contact.
The vast majority of confirmed cases are associated with the description of intimate relationships with people who have lesions. Therefore, the clarification of the predominant form of transmission is essential.
One should be alert to the occurrence of fever and lesions, especially on the genitals, one to three weeks after a risky sexual exposure. A doctor, or a health service, should be consulted.
Among older infectious disease specialists, a feeling of déjà vu starts to sketch. The same experienced when the first cases of AIDS began to appear, in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
At that time, the beginnings of the HIV/AIDS pandemic focused on men who had sex with men. The fact unleashed a wave of prejudice and absurd discrimination, which we do not want to see repeated.
Like other sexually transmitted infections, this one will eventually affect all sexually active groups, thus requiring quick and coordinated actions.
The first involves raising awareness of what “monkeypox” is., its signs and symptoms, so that people will notice it promptly.
The second is to facilitate access and speed up diagnostic tests.
The third is to treat the most serious cases. There is a shortage of the two drugs that have already proven to be useful, which requires strategic inventory discussion.
Finally, expand the discussion on potential vaccines. There is already a smallpox vaccine that we have used in the past. There are several others in development. Some have already been tested in efficacy studies, called phase 3.
What has been learned from Covid-19 is put to the test. Will there be the ability to react quickly against a new threat?
It is worth emphasizing that the financial and scientific capital used to fight diseases are not lost. What has been learned helps to combat the next threat, with progressive gain in capability.
In time: do not miss the opportunity to question how your candidates in the next October election see investment in public health and science in Brazil. The “monkeypox” and other diseases to come are good reasons to guide your choices.
This column is part of the #scienceinelections campaign, which celebrates Science Month.
Chad-98Weaver, a distinguished author at NewsBulletin247, excels in the craft of article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for storytelling, Chad delivers informative and engaging content that resonates with readers across various subjects. His contributions are a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of journalism.
