Days after the World Health Organization declared Mpox a global health emergency due to an outbreak in parts of Africa, new cases have emerged in Sweden and Pakistan.
In response, countries worldwide are increasing border surveillance measures to minimize the risk of the virus spreading into their communities. Recent reports indicate that the outbreak has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities globally.
China has implemented stricter border entry protocols, mandating that individuals exhibiting symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, and rashes disclose their condition upon arrival.
Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services has summoned the Communicable Disease Committee to assess the current global situation and review Fiji’s prevention, preparedness, and response strategies that were put in place during the 2022 Mpox public health emergency.
The Health Ministry plans to undertake necessary actions, including retraining healthcare workers. Similar to the previous response in 2022, efforts will prioritize enhanced case identification and surveillance to manage and detect cases promptly.
Mpox is transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact, as well as contact with lesions, body fluids, and contaminated items like bedding and surfaces.
While Mpox is generally a mild illness that resolves with supportive treatment within weeks, previous outbreaks in endemic African regions have demonstrated that severe cases can occur, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women.
The Health Ministry urges recent international travelers experiencing symptoms such as fever, body aches, and rashes to seek immediate medical assistance.