Epidemiology

The Alex Alerting Service is monitoring the spread and productions of the Monkeypox Virus (Strand Clade IIb) Formerly known as the West African Clade. 

What To Watch Out For

There are 2 major Clades of this virus, Clade 1b and Clade 2b, The former is localised in the Congo, and is more severe, while the latter is localised in southern Africa and is less severe. Currently, Clade IIb has the following symptoms

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle Fatigue

• Backache 

• Swolen Lymph Nodes

• Chills

• Exhaustion

The more developed symptoms will be the development of a rash, usually between 1 and 3 days of the onset of symptoms. These rashes will form into large vesicles and pustules (lumps) which will eventually crust over and fall off. Do not scratch at, or pop them. 

Why All The Hype?

Right now there is a frenzy about M-Pox on TikTok and other platforms surrounding M-Pox. Although M-Pox is dangerous, the fatality rate is 1-10% in developing countries and >1-3% in the developed world. The mortality rate of COVID-19 was considerably higher, however this is due to the sheer number of infections worldwide. Furthermore, sensationalisation on social media has led to near fear-mongering surrounding it. 

The Real Worry - From AAS (Who actually researches this)

The R₀ which is the reproduction rate of a virus is the measure of how many people a carrier can infect if uncontrolled. The R₀ of M-Pox is currently put between 1.5 and 3. This means 1 person can infect 1.5 to 3 people while carrying the virus. To put it into perspective, COVID-19 (SARSnCoV-2) Carried an R₀ of 2.2-2.7 initially and with the Delta Variant the R₀ was 5-8 and Omicron between 8 and 10. Although this does not mean that M-Pox is a threat, it means that it is more easily spread than Covid was when it first started. 

Monkeypox is still a serious disease with serious consequences if untreated. However, there are vaccines on the way already. the JYNNEOS Vaccine, based on the MVA-BN (Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) platform (approved by the US FDA) is available for the prevention of Monkeypox, however right now, the world is trying to ramp up the production of doses to meet the anticipated needs of the public. 

Should I Worry?

Although M-Pox is worrying, right now, we have no major need to worry about it. Although the virus is dangerous and easily spread, The AAS does not believe there is any reason to worry just yet. We will notify you should you need to worry though. 

What Should I do If I Suspect I have M-Pox?

If you suspect that you have M-Pox, the best course of action is to contact the HSE and notify the Public Health Surveillance Centre in Ireland. This way you will be treated in a secure environment to help prevent the spread. Otherwise, stay at home and don't touch anything. The virus can survive for up to several weeks on surfaces. Non-Porus surfaces like stainless steel and plastic may retain the virus for longer than fabrics and porous surfaces. Wash your hands if you believe you have come into contact with someone with M-Pox, cough into your elbow and immediately put your clothing on a hot wash (at least 40­°C) to kill the virus. Clean surfaces using bleach or alcohol based products and use a mattress cover on your bed to prevent the virus entering the fibers of bedding. Dispose of bedding if it cannot be washed. 

Measels have been identified in the UK and multiple other places. This disease is also being tracked by the WHO at the moment, with 30,000+ cases across Europe at the moment. 

The recommendation is to redo your MMR vaccine if at all possible if you have only had just 1 dosage of the MMR Vaccine. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause a serious rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles are preventable by getting vaccinated.

The symptoms of measles typically appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus. The first symptoms are usually a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts for about 7 days.

In addition to the common symptoms, measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and serious brain disorder that can develop years after a person has measles.

Dengue Fever is reported as having increased recently, with over several million cases reported. It currently is in France, however has not made way into the UK or ROI. 

The AAS is currently tracking this disease and monitoring the WHO reports for it. You can take a look here for more information.

Compressed by AI
Pervasive in tropical and subtropical regions, dengue fever stands as a formidable public health issue, with an estimated 400 million infections worldwide each year. The mosquito-borne dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, predominantly active during daytime hours in urban and suburban settings, is the culprit behind this ailment.

Infection typically manifests 3-14 days post-bite, characterized by a constellation of symptoms. Fever, often accompanied by a severe headache, is the hallmark manifestation. Muscle and joint pain, often described as "breakbone fever," further characterize the illness. A rash, typically non-itchy, may also appear. Additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may accompany the initial presentation. In severe cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS) can develop, leading to critical complications.

While no specific diagnostic test exists for dengue fever, doctors can rely on a combination of symptoms, clinical evaluation, and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and preventing complications, as most cases resolve within 7-10 days through self-recovery.

Prevention remains the cornerstone of dengue fever control. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around dwellings and utilizing insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito nets are crucial preventive measures. By adopting these strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting dengue fever.

03/12/2023

The cases have been verified and are determined to not be a risk to the safety of the Irish public at this time. There is no further need to monitor this. 

02/12/2023
Reports have been confirmed that a pneumonia epidemic is spreading like wildfire in China at the moment. It does not pose an immediate danger tot he Republic of Ireland, however it is advised to be on the lookout for cases. More information will be released as i find out more about it. 

Based on current estimates, this is to take a Category 2 (High Cautionary Warning) for the time being. There is presently no action needed to be taken at this time. 

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. - mayoclinic.org

There is at present no need to panic. The situation is being monitored at this time.