Common Myths And Misconceptions About Spread Of MPox

• The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted several myths and misconceptions about the spread of Mpox
• CDC Kenya country director Amy Herman-Roloff told TUKO.co.ke that one misconception is the belief that only gay people can contract the disease
• Herman Roloff also noted that another misconception is the belief that only people from certain communities can contract Mpox

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Mpox as a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus.

Mpox was originally known as monkeypox before the name was changed.

Mpox remains a threat, with increasing cases in African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other nations.

Kenya's Ministry of Health has so far reported five confirmed cases of Mpox as efforts to combat the disease intensify.

However, the US CDC explains that several myths and misconceptions about the spread of the viral disease in the country exist.

What are the myths and misconceptions of Mpox?

Experts from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention addressed some misconceptions about how Mpox spreads.

In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, CDC Kenya country director Amy Herman-Roloff mentioned some of the misconceptions about the disease.

The first misconception is that Mpox is believed to spread only among people from the gay community.

She argued that anyone can contract the viral disease, regardless of their sexuality.

"There is this notion that Mpox can only be spread by gay men, who engage in intimacy with one another, which is not true. Anyone can get Mpox," she said.

Recently, the Health Ministry issued an alert identifying groups of people at a high risk of contracting Mpox.

The Ministry said Kenyans with multiple romantic partners are especially vulnerable to the infection and emphasized the need for caution and preventive measures.

Herman-Roloff noted another misconception is the belief that only certain groups can contract Mpox. For example, some think Mpox is only found in Africa, but in reality, cases have been reported worldwide, including in the U.S.

Other misconceptions about Mpox include the belief that it is an airborne disease. In reality, Mpox spreads only through physical contact with an infected person.

Lastly, there's the misconception that Mpox has no cure. While no specific antiviral treatment exists for Mpox, supportive care can help manage symptoms and promote recovery.

What is the connection between bushmeat and Mpox?

Earlier, the government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, issued a directive warning Kenyans against handling or consuming bush meat due to the spread of Mpox in the country.

In a press statement, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano noted that zoonotic diseases, which can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic, spread through direct contact or via food, water, or the surrounding environment.

She also confirmed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WRTI) are collaborating with the Ministry of Health as part of the national Mpox management team, which is currently receiving updates on the outbreak.

What you need to know about Mpox

• Kenya's Ministry of Health announced the signs and symptoms of Mpox and how to prevent contracting the viral disease.
• The Ministry of Health stated that one case of the virus is enough to be classified as an outbreak in the country.
• The Ministry of Health had on Friday, August 16, mentioned there were no activeases of Mpox in the country.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.