Discussion – Public Health Concerns on Monkeypox

Discussion – Public Health Concerns on Monkeypox

The recent monkeypox occurrence in the United States has been announced as a public health emergency, with more than 7000 cases across the country (ABC News, 2022). The urgency of this situation stems from the rapid spread of the virus, with cases doubling weekly, leading to concerns about the adequacy of the response and resource allocation. Despite the availability of 1.1 million vaccine doses, demand far outstrips supply, particularly among high-risk groups. This has resulted in significant delays for individuals seeking vaccination and treatment, prompting criticism of the government’s response as insufficient and delayed.

The impact of this outbreak on population health is multifaceted. Positively, the emergency declaration has mobilized additional resources for vaccine distribution and treatment. However, the slow initial response has exacerbated the situation, with vulnerable populations—such as MSM, who are disproportionately affected—facing challenges in accessing necessary care (Kava, 2022). The public’s awareness of the issue is heightened due to media coverage. However, misinformation and a lack of understanding about the virus and its transmission persist, complicating efforts to control the outbreak, as indicated by (World Health Organization, 2023).

The news source, ABC News, can be considered credible since the information they release on this outbreak is usually real-time and often accurate (ABC News, 2022). CDC and WHO closely observe and report this process, underlining the necessity of vaccination and people’s awareness of infection prevention measures (CDC, 2023; World Health Organization, 2023). As an advanced practice nurse, addressing this issue involves advocating for equitable vaccine distribution, educating the community about monkeypox transmission, and supporting public health initiatives to mitigate the outbreak (Dubey et al., 2023). Engaging in outreach to vulnerable populations and collaborating with public health authorities will be critical in managing and eventually resolving this public health crisis.

References

ABC News. (2022). US declares monkeypox a public health emergency. Retrieved from https://abcn.ws/3vJhLJw

CDC. (2023, January 6). Mpox in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html

Dubey, T., Chakole, S., Agrawal, S., Gupta, A., Munjewar, P. K., Sharma, R., Yelne, S., Dubey, T., Chakole, S., Agrawal, S., Gupta, A., Munjewar, P. K., Sharma, D. R., & Yelne, S. (2023). Enhancing Nursing Care in Monkeypox (Mpox) Patients: Differential Diagnoses, Prevention Measures, and Therapeutic Interventions. Cureus, 15(9). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.44687

Kava, C. M. (2022). Epidemiologic Features of the Monkeypox Outbreak and the Public Health Response — United States, May 17–October 6, 2022. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(71). https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7145a4

World Health Organization. (2023, April 18). Monkeypox. WHO; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

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For this assignment, search for a current public health issue discussed in the news (written or video format) to share in the discussion board forum. You may use the same public health issue as a peer, but the source must differ. COVID and Monkey Pox are trending topics, but there are many other infectious diseases, outbreaks, and epidemiological crises – branch out regionally, nationally, or globally in your searches. Provide a direct link or upload a copy of the news sources in your 500-word or less response. Use supporting evidence and epidemiological terms (course test/outside sources), discourse on the following:

Discussion – Public Health Concerns on Monkeypox

A description of the public health concern
A discussion on how it impacts population health in your community and its relevancy, including both positive and negative perspectives
Conduct a quick fact-check by addressing the credibility of the source
Assess the public’s awareness/understanding of the issue
Note which population/s are especially vulnerable and why
Acknowledge what one (1) or more public health authorities are reporting on the issue
Lastly, how will you, as an advanced practice nurse, address/resolve the issue