Background and aims
A new novel virus, Langya virus (LayV), was detected in China in August 2022, 3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic. LayV is similar to the previously discovered Mojiang henipavirus. Other zoonotic henipaviruses include the Hendra and Nipah viruses. The emergence of the zoonotic Langya virus is attributed to climate change and wildlife encroachment, as LayV is detected in shrews. Those who are infected in China showed various symptoms, but no deaths have been recorded yet. This review aims to shed light on the current state of Langya virus outbreak, its infection control efforts, and the remaining challenges that need to be addressed to curb the outbreak.
Methods
We utilized online publication databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in writing this review article.
Results
A surveillance study on thirty-five febrile patients in Eastern China identified the Langya virus outbreak. The current efforts from the Chinese government and health authorities to reduce the transmission and spread of Langya virus such as isolation and characterization of LayV, challenges associated with the increase in cases of LayV, and trackable recommendations such as strengthening the healthcare system in China, sensitization of people about risks associated with Langya virus outbreaks, creating an intensive surveillance system network, etc. were discussed.
Conclusion
It is germane and pertinent that the Chinese government and health authorities continue to intensify efforts against Langya virus and address the challenges to effectively reduce transmission.
Background and aims
In the current global scenario, the monkeypox virus has infected over 3000 individuals from endemic countries like Nigeria, along with non-endemic countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, etc. Based on the current information, it has been observed that monkeypox cases have primarily, though not exclusively, been found among men who have sex with men (MSM) in countries such as the UK. This article discusses the recent outbreak of monkeypox, its causes, and the various approaches to combat monkeypox infections.
Methods
We evaluated the trends of recent outbreaks of monkeypox in different countries and compared them to how the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Results
At present, monkeypox has been reported to spread to over 58 countries via skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, contaminated bed sheets, clothing, or respiratory routes. Smallpox vaccines have been proven to have 85% efficacy against monkeypox. To mitigate this current outbreak, WHO urges people to practice good hygiene and safe sex. The documentation of more cases and further onward spread in the countries in member states are most likely to reoccur, and if not contained, we might experience another global pandemic. Therefore, more research is required to avert this problem.
Conclusion
Monkeypox virus is testing if we have complied with COVID-19 pandemic lessons and elucidates the urgency of research required to understand the monkeypox disease.
The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Ghana and the re-emergence of other infectious diseases in Africa require a unified effort to fight these highly infectious health threats. Although no new cases have been reported after the three MVD confirmed cases, Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Health Authorities of neighbouring countries are on the alert to identify any new cases and deal with them at the earliest. Public health measures, however, inadequate, are in place in Ghana. Varied challenges remain in the fight against these outbreaks. All known public health measures must be brought to bear in the fight. African governments must resource the African Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, in its efforts to augment the various country-level health services in the fight against the threats. African governments, citizens, development partners, and foreign governments must commit to fighting these diseases before they turn into pandemics.
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