9 Reasons Why Mpox attacks children more often, be aware of the reasons

YOGYAKARTA – Monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency. Mpox is a zoonotic or viral disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. This dangerous virus itself has spread to Indonesia with the discovery of 88 confirmed cases, according to the page kemenkes.go.id.

You must be aware that monkeypox mainly attacks children. Based on data from UNICEF, it is recorded that children experience more than half of Mpox cases in the Congo. Meanwhile in Burundi, up to 60 percent of Mpox cases affect children and teenagers under 20 years of age.

The Indonesian government itself has been expecting the monkey pox virus to spread in Indonesia. So why does the Mpox virus attack children more often? This needs to be understood by increasing awareness and prevention of Mpox disease.

Reasons why Mpox attacks children more often

Young children are a vulnerable group to the Mpox virus. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and teenagers can get this virus through contact with infected people or animals or contaminated materials.

Transmission of the Mpox virus in children can occur from close skin-to-skin contact. For example, holding hands, hugging, or sleeping on the same bed. What is even more frightening is that this virus can be transmitted to the fetus in pregnant women. In addition, newborn babies can be infected with the Mpox virus.

YARSI University Postgraduate Director, Dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, said there are several reasons why Mpox attacks children more often. The following are several factors that make children susceptible to Mpox infection according to the former Director of Infectious Diseases at WHO South East Asia:

Mpox Virus Variant ‘Clade 1b’ affects different groups

The Clade 1b variant of the Mpox virus is now able to spread in different age groups, including children. The transmissibility of this virus is different from the transmission of previous variants that occurred more often in adults.

Social Conflict and Movement in Africa

Several countries in Africa that are experiencing conflict are experiencing large population movements. This transit situation is often accompanied by health problems, including an increased risk of spreading mpox.

Malnutrition or malnutrition

Malnutrition is one of the main factors that increase children’s vulnerability to Mpox. Malnutrition in children weakens their immune system, making children more susceptible to disease.

Various outbreaks of other diseases struck

Apart from Mpox, African countries also suffer from other diseases such as cholera, polio and measles. These various health problems also worsen the health condition and increase the risk of mpox transmission.

Low Vaccine Coverage

Low vaccination coverage in several African countries means that many children are not protected from various diseases, including Mpox.

Health Resources Limited

Limited health resources for both diagnosis and treatment also make treatment of Mpox cases difficult. Especially treatment in remote areas.

Health Awareness Is Still Low

Low health awareness in the community also affects how easily the Mpox virus is transmitted. In such a society, they are usually less aware of the risks and dangers of disease.

Lean Living Environment

Many children in Africa sleep overcrowded in cramped quarters. Living habits like this increase the possibility of transmitting the virus through close physical contact.

Call directly when playing in a crowd

Children often play in groups or groups. This practice also increases direct contact and makes it easier for the virus to spread.

Here are some of the reasons why Mpox disease attacks children more often. Different conditions in children greatly affect the possibility of getting the Mpox virus. To prevent this, people must take care of and maintain the health and cleanliness of the surrounding environment. Also read use of the Mpox vaccine in Indonesia.

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