As mpox (formerly monkeypox) has been declared a global public health emergency, some are wondering whether the virus poses the risk of a COVID-like pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the mpox outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" on Aug. 14, based on a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and multiple African countries.

As of Aug. 17, there were 545 reports of mpox cases since the outbreak was declared, 474 of which were confirmed, according to data from WHO.

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Symptoms include a sometimes painful rash on various parts of the body, fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are two types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Clade 2 was the strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak, the CDC noted. Survival rates for this type are more than 99.9%.

Clade 1, which is responsible for the current outbreak in the DRC and Africa, causes more severe illness and deaths. 

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"Some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates," the CDC noted. 

"The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when announcing the public health emergency. 

"On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives."

While health officials have expressed concern about the spread of a new strain of the potentially deadly virus, the consensus is that mpox is not likely to become a pandemic like COVID — primarily because it doesn't spread in the same way.

"Certainly not," said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, during a conversation with Fox News Digital.

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"What made COVID so contagious is that it is a respiratory virus spread by aerosols, so that even casual contact — being in the same room with someone for a reasonable period of time — meant you could catch [the virus]" from that person.

Another difference is that COVID is contagious starting from a day or so before someone develops symptoms, Kuritzkes pointed out. 

"By contrast, mpox requires close contact (skin-to-skin) for transmission in the vast majority of cases," he said.

"Rarely, heavily contaminated material such as bedding can be infectious, but people are not going to catch mpox by being on the same bus or running into someone at the grocery store."

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While mpox is far less contagious than COVID, it could potentially cause a "widely distributed epidemic" through sexual contact, according to Kuritzkes.

"HIV is now pandemic (found in all countries across the globe), but as high as the numbers are, it is not transmitted by casual contact," he said. "The same is true of mpox."

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, echoed that mpox is "not the new COVID."

"It spreads via direct contact or sex, and kissing, and very close respiratory droplets, but not over longer distances by respiratory spread," he told Fox News Digital.  

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"Clade 1 is currently in DRC and neighboring African countries," Siegel said. 

"The U.S. has increased surveillance, including wastewater analysis, but there have been no cases [of Clade 1] found here yet." 

Dr. Brad Perkins, chief medical officer at Karius, a California life sciences company focused on saving lives from infectious diseases, reiterated that mpox is "considerably less infectious" for person-to-person spread than COVID-19. 

"Mpox is primarily spread from person-to-person, usually through direct contact, including intimate contact — but on average, there are fewer people who become infected as a result of contact with a mpox case compared to COVID-19," he told Fox News Digital.

"While mpox can affect anyone, data has shown that men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted, with a notable disease burden among Black and Hispanic men," Perkins noted.

"This highlights the importance of early recognition and diagnosis, in addition to awareness and targeted vaccination of those who are at highest risk."

As with other viral infections, those who are immunocompromised or very young are at the greatest risk of severe infection, according to Kuritzkes.   

"For mpox, the main concern is for people with HIV who are not currently receiving effective antiretroviral therapy," he added.

Even after the infection has cleared, survivors can face long-term effects and complications, Perkins warned.

"Conditions like vision impairment, encephalitis and scarring have been reported," he told Fox News Digital. 

"We need deeper research into characterizing and addressing these long-term sequelae."

To prevent transmission of mpox, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, are age 18 or older, and have other specific risks.

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Those risks include new diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases and a recent history of multiple sex partners, among others.

"Second, and most obviously, would be to avoid close contact with people who have mpox lesions," said Kuritzkes.

"The big issue is getting the vaccine to the people who need it in Central and West Africa to end the current outbreak."

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent 50,000 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to DRC, Siegel noted — "but there is still a worldwide shortage of this vaccine, which will prove crucial to stop the spread, especially if the outbreak widens."

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In addition to the current vaccines and antiviral treatments that are available, Perkins stressed the need for new innovations in mpox diagnostics, therapeutics and preventive measures.

The footage circulating online shows an individual emptying residential waste bins and dumping the contents near a business establishment. The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) said it was not an isolated incident and has sounded the alarm over persistent illegal dumping in the area.

“What we’re seeing here is an ongoing problem where food cartons and various other waste items are being dumped indiscriminately,” Carl Padmore, the SSA’s public relations officer, told Barbados TODAY.

Padmore revealed that the perpetrator was disposing of both personal and others’ refuse, exacerbating an already critical situation.

“We are deeply concerned because such actions contribute to the increasing rodent population in the area,” Padmore said. “Moreover, this waste can wash down into the road, leading to severe flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.”

Despite a prominently displayed ‘No Dumping’ sign, the area continues to be plagued by illegal dumping by both residents and businesses. Repeated warnings and public health notices have fallen on deaf ears, leaving authorities frustrated.

“The public health officers have spoken to the residents and businesses in this area, but it seems nothing is working,” Padmore lamented, repeating his appeal to the public for support in tackling this issue.

The SSA’s efforts to address the situation have been hampered by limitations in their enforcement capabilities, as this responsibility lies with the police. Padmore expressed hope that increased awareness and community co-operation could help stem the tide of illegal dumping.

As the SSA redoubles its efforts to combat this environmental menace, it urges residents and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly. 

“This issue affects everyone, and we need the public’s help to stop illegal dumping,” Padmore urged, while calling on the public to report any witnessed illegal dumping to the relevant authorities. Only through collective action, he argued, can Bridgetown hope to clean up its act and safeguard its environmental future.

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Guyana has asked port health staff to be on the lookout for persons with signs of monkeypox, also known mpox, even as doctors were being put on alert and vaccines have been stockpiled to be possibly given to vulnerable segments of the population, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said Saturday. The Health Ministry says mpox ...

View the full post Caricom statement on mpox outbreak on NOW Grenada.

An Australian meteorologist suffered a panic attack while on-air last week — and quickly tossed his live segment back to his anchor colleague.

"Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by some panic attacks, and actually, that’s happening right now," Nate Byrne said during the live ABC News Australia segment. 

His colleagues stepped in while Byrne, who had been open about his struggles with panic attacks in the past, recovered from the incident. 

Fox News Digital reached out to ABC News Australia requesting comment.

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"Nate’s colleagues at ABC News Breakfast did a great job of supporting him," Dr. Reid Wilson, PhD, a psychologist and the director of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Byrne’s openness about his condition likely helped the news team react in such a supportive way, Wilson told Fox News Digital.

"That’s one thing to consider if you are having panic attacks — to share your problem with people who are safe (who won’t ridicule you or use it against you) and supportive," he said in an email.

Panic attacks are part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system’s "flight or fight" response, which motivates a person to remove himself or herself from danger, even if the situation does not appear to be an obvious threat, health care practitioners told Fox News Digital.

"During a panic attack, our heart rate increases, and our body gets ready to either fight or flee," Dr. Nancy Frye, PhD, a professor and the graduate director of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, told Fox News Digital.

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While a panic attack is scary, it typically is not dangerous, according to the APA. 

It can, however, cause anxiety about future attacks. 

"They may start giving up more of their life in an attempt to appease the panic," Wilson said.

"That’s why it’s so important for them to develop self-help skills that will help them face and cope with those provoking situations."

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines a panic attack as a "sudden surge of overwhelming fear" that is not proportional to the actual situation.  

The attack typically passes within minutes, but repeated attacks can continue to recur for hours, the APA noted.

The episode may occur in individuals who have suffered a recent traumatic event or a major life stressor, such as death or divorce, experts say.

Attacks can also stem from a genetic predisposition for anxiety disorders or depression.

A person experiencing a panic attack may suddenly experience a racing heartbeat and trouble breathing.

People may also feel lightheaded, dizzy or nauseous, according to the APA. 

Trembling, a "pins and needles" sensation in the fingers and toes, sweating, hot flashes or sudden chills, or a feeling of terror are some of the other listed symptoms experienced by individuals. 

"When one is having a panic attack, they might breathe rapidly, a condition called hyperventilation, which can lead to numbness in the fingers and toes from the vasoconstriction that occurs from the imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide," Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

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It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions to be sure it is a panic attack, health experts say.

"These symptoms can mimic other medical conditions like a heart attack, asthma exacerbation, electrolyte abnormalities, thyroid issues or neurological disorders," Davis noted.

A licensed therapist can diagnose a panic attack and panic disorder. 

If a panic attack occurs, Davis recommends focusing on taking slow, deep breaths. 

Most panic attacks will resolve within a few minutes, but if symptoms persist or get worse, it might be necessary to seek medical treatment to rule out other causes, Davis added.

"It's tempting to say that the way to cope with a panic attack is to calm down — but that is much easier said than done," Frye told Fox News Digital. 

"It can help to acknowledge the worry and anxiety, and remind ourselves that our bodies are trying to help us out."

Frye recommended focusing on what is going on in the environment and remembering that not everything needs to be solved immediately.

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If a person experiences recurrent panic attacks and spends a good portion of time "in constant fear of another attack," the individual may have a panic disorder, in which case an evaluation and treatment is recommended, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

Different types of treatments — such as cognitive behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medications — can help a person learn to cope with panic attacks and panic disorders, Davis and Wilson told Fox News Digital.

Implementing some lifestyle changes can help keep panic attacks at bay, Wilson noted.

Some of these include making efforts to sleep well, significantly reducing or eliminating caffeine, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol intake.

He also recommends learning to manage life stressors in your life by practicing relaxation skills, such as meditation.

If you take medications, it’s a good idea to confirm with your physician that none of them are provoking symptoms of anxiety, Wilson said.

Developing a supportive social network and having a strong sense of purpose can also help. 

"Make sure you are using your gifts and talents, and take actions in your life that reflect your values," Wilson advised.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

If you are suffering from recurring panic attacks, experts recommend discussing the episodes with your physician.

Fox News Digital reached out to the APA for comment.

A Public Health Nurse, who was in Berbice to inspect progress being made in vaccinating people against the human papillomavirus (HPV), was found dead in a hotel room in New Amsterdam on Thursday morning, police said. He was identified as 63-year-old Wilton Longford Benn who resided at 82 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Police said that ...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that a statement currently circulating about a case of mpox, (previously known as monkey pox), is not current.

The information in question comes from a statement made by former Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill in July 22, 2022.

The Ministry would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on mpox, verifying that, currently, there are no known active cases on island. Since the initial case in 2022, there have been two additional imported cases. One was recorded in January 2024, and the second one, six weeks ago. Contact tracing indicates that there was no in country spread.

The World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization have advised that vaccines are not currently required in low-risk settings such as Barbados. However, Barbados is part of a global community of nations and is, therefore, not exempt from the possibility of mpox and other public health threats.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to take all reasonable measures to protect the public from the importation and spread of mpox. (MHW/BGIS)

The post No active cases of Mpox in Barbados, says health ministry appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health announced that no new monkeypox cases have been reported since April 2024. Despite this, the Ministry has heightened epidemiological surveillance as a preventive measure following a World Health Organization emergency declaration urging countries to take precautionary steps.

As of week 33 in 2024, the country has recorded a total of eight confirmed monkeypox cases, with no signs of community transmission. The Ministry confirmed that vaccines are available, and over 2,000 people, particularly those in high-risk groups, have been vaccinated since 2022.

The public is advised to avoid direct skin contact with individuals showing smallpox-like rashes and to be cautious with items used by infected persons. Regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers is also recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Monkeypox typically presents with rashes or lesions, especially on the face, hands, and feet.

Foods that contain soluble and insoluble fibre to promote a healthy gut include fruit, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beans, nuts and seeds, oats and grains

View the full post Foods that promote a healthy gut system on NOW Grenada.

Dr Shirley Jhagroo, medical coordinator of the BCS’s breast screening programme, said due to a number of initiatives, such as the Walk for the Cure organised by CIBC First Caribbean, more Barbadian women were coming forward for important checks. Additionally, there was a major rise in the number of people conducting self tests, Dr Jhagroo said.

She stated that as a result the vast majority of breast lumps were discovered by the patients, with most cancer cases discovered in the early stages.

“Statistics now show that 80 per cent of breast lumps are found by the patient themselves. Thanks to the awareness, more than 40 per cent of patients attending the early detection clinic for screening or diagnoses are self-referred,” she explained. “This number has been increasing yearly, and so does the number of positive cases. Fortunately, most patients with positive diagnosis are at stages 0, 1 and 2, giving these patients almost 98 per cent to 100 per cent five-year survival.”

Dr Jhagroo noted that currently 700 mammograms and 130 ultrasounds are conducted at the clinic monthly, with 147 cases recorded in 2023, up from the 135 cases recorded the previous year.

The medical coordinator made the disclosure at the official launch of this year’s Walk for Cure at the CIBC First Caribbean, Warrens Great House offices with organisers saying they were hoping to raise over $200,000 this year to support cancer care and prevention efforts across the island.

CIBC’s managing director for Barbados and the OECS Donna Wellington told journalists that since its launch in 2012, the walk has raised over USD$4 million.

“Every penny raised and donated has been shared among cancer care organisations and charities committed to the prevention and early detection of the disease, to education and outreach and to the care of persons with cancer and their families that are impacted,” Wellington said.

She indicated that the effort raised Bds$200,000 last year, all of which went to the breast screening programme. “We are optimistic that we will reach and surpass our goal this year,” the banking executive said, adding that the monies raised this year will go towards the purchase of a new US$250,000 picture archiving and communication system to replace the  15-year-old system at the BCS.

This year’s Walk for the Cure event will take place on October 6, with participants leaving the CIBC’s corporate headquarters in Warrens at 3:50 p.m. for the 5k run and 4 p.m. for the 5k walk.

T-shirts can be pre-ordered from the breast screening programme offices or at upcoming CIBC pop-up stalls.

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