Health
With Mpox a public health emergency in Africa, what you must know about increased virus risk
![With Mpox a public health emergency in Africa, what you must know about increased virus risk With Mpox a public health emergency in Africa, what you must know about increased virus risk](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-2163384885.jpg)
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) has officially been declared a public health emergency by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The African agency reported an increase in the disease throughout the continent and warned that the virus could spread across international borders, The Associated Press reported.
More than 96% of all mpox cases and deaths have taken place in Congo, even though mpox has been detected in 13 African countries.
MPOX DECLARED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN AFRICA AS AUTHORITIES BATTLE MULTIPLE VARIANTS
The Africa CDC confirmed that overall cases are up 160%, and deaths increased by 19% compared to last year, according to AP.
Additionally, Swedish health authorities just announced the first case of the highly infectious mpox as well. “In this case, a person was infected during a stay in the part of Africa where there is a major outbreak of [the more infectious mpox formerly known as monkeypox],” the Public Health Agency of Sweden said on Thursday.
The backs of the hands of a patient with mpox showing a characteristic rash during his recovery phase. (CDC/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Unlike in the 2022 epidemic, when mpox was typically spread through close contact (including sex) between gay and bisexual men, patterns in Africa show that children under 15 years old are making up more than 70% of cases and 85% of deaths in Congo.
Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University, told AP that it is “unclear” why children are “disproportionately hit” in Congo right now.
She hypothesized that it could be due to children being more susceptible to the virus, overcrowding in social situations or exposure to parents who have mpox.
A new strain
A new form of mpox that can kill up to 10% of people and may spread more easily has also been detected in Congo, AP reported, which has scientists concerned about transmission.
MPOX OUTBREAK THAT IS RAPIDLY SPREADING THROUGH CONGO MAY BE A NEW FORM OF THE DISEASE
This is because, unlike traditional mpox, which causes lesions on the chest, hands and feet, the new strain causes milder symptoms with lesions on genitalia, according to AP, making it harder to spot.
Earlier this month, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus considered declaring mpox a global emergency given the increasing numbers in Africa.
![child with monkeypox is treated in africa](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/GettyImages-1053131670.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A child affected by mpox sits on his father’s legs while receiving treatment at the center of the International medical NGO Doctors Without Borders in Zomea Kaka, in the Lobaya region in the Central African Republic, on Oct. 18, 2018. (CHARLES BOUESSEL/AFP via Getty Images)
The WHO head decided to convene with independent experts to come to a pending decision.
Meantime, the WHO reported the release of $1.45 million from its emergency fund to support mpox response in Africa.
Congo is reportedly in communication with donors about vaccine donations and has received financial aid from Britain and the U.S., AP reported.
MONKEYPOX: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS – AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
The U.N. health agency said there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in 2024 – already blowing past last year’s numbers.
![nyc mpox patient shows rash scar on wrist](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/GettyImages-1242023551.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Kyle Planck, 26, who has recovered from mpox, shows scars from rashes on his skin during an interview in New York on July 19, 2022. (YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
In May 2023, the WHO declared that mpox was no longer an international emergency following the 2022 outbreak, as cases declined by 90% for three consecutive months.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News senior medical analyst, said he credited the vaccine for helping to end that outbreak.
WHO ASKS EXPERTS TO HELP DECIDE IF MPOX OUTBREAK IN AFRICA IS GLOBAL EMERGENCY
“The use of ring vaccination, where those who were close to monkeypox cases are vaccinated, played a role,” he told Fox News Digital last year.
Public education and awareness of risk factors have also been critical, he said.
What is mpox?
Those who contracted the disease two years ago were hit with jarring symptoms.
Siegel told Fox News Digital during the first outbreak that the disease causes a “painful” rash that can lead to scarring.
MONKEYPOX: WHO SAYS NO LONGER GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY
The virus is part of the same family that causes smallpox – but is not related to chickenpox, said the CDC.
![blood sample drawn from boy in africa](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/GettyImages-1053131738.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Blood samples are drawn from a boy who did not display any sign of mpox, even as his family was contaminated, at a quarantine area of the center of the International medical NGO Doctors Without Borders in Zomea Kaka, in the Lobaya region in the Central African Republic, on Oct. 18, 2018. (CHARLES BOUESSEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mpox patients often develop a rash that moves through several stages and can develop within one to three days, the agency said.
Symptoms can also include headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, fever, backache, swollen lymph nodes and chills.
Mpox is classified as a “zoonotic disease,” meaning it can be spread between animals and people and can be found in small rodents, monkeys and other mammals living in locations where the virus is endemic.
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To prevent mpox spread, the CDC recommends avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who appear to have a mpox rash or animals that may carry it.
The public should also be aware of preventative measures to avoid contracting the virus through sex, social gatherings or contaminated materials.
![developer holds vial of mpox vaccine](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/GettyImages-1242666076.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A doctor shows a vial of the Jynneos mpox vaccine by Danish vaccine developer Bavarian Nordic in Montpellier, southern France on Aug. 23, 2022. (PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
People with severely weakened immune systems, children under 1-year-old, people with a history of eczema and people who are pregnant have the highest risk of severe disease, the CDC notes.
A two-dose vaccine, called JYNNEOS, is available for protection against mpox and smallpox.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
The CDC recommends vaccinations against mpox if patients have known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox, had a sexual partner who was diagnosed with mpox in the last two weeks, are men having sex with other men or are individuals in other related, high-risk scenarios.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy and Sarah Rumph-Whitten, as well as Deirdre Reilly and The Associated Press, contributed to this report.
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Health
Cure for men's hair loss could be found in sugar stored in the body, study suggests
![Cure for men's hair loss could be found in sugar stored in the body, study suggests Cure for men's hair loss could be found in sugar stored in the body, study suggests](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/iStock-1391808411.jpg)
The cure for male pattern baldness could already be in the human body.
The condition, which causes gradual hair loss, affects up to 50% of men worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. claim the fix might be found in a sugar that’s naturally present in the human body.
HAIR LOSS AND PROSTATE MEDICATION COULD ALSO REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK, STUDY FINDS
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, revealed that this sugar, known as 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), is involved in various biological processes in animals and humans and can stimulate hair regrowth in mice.
Scientists from U.K.’s Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan have studied the sugar for the past eight years, focusing on its ability to help heal wounds by forming new blood vessels.
Male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of men worldwide, according to the University of Sheffield. (iStock)
The researchers noticed that hair around the wounds also appeared to grow more quickly compared to untreated wounds.
The scientists then tested this on testosterone-driven hair loss in mice, which is similar to the cause of male pattern baldness, according to a university press release.
NEW HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS MAY BE ON THE WAY AFTER MAJOR DISCOVERY, RESEARCHERS SAY
When they applied just a small dose of the sugar, new blood vessels were formed, leading to hair regrowth.
The findings suggest that the deoxy ribose sugar could be as effective as hair regrowth drugs, according to the university.
![man combing his hair in a bathroom at home](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/iStock-1403621645.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Researchers reported that a small dose of deoxy ribose sugar led to hair regrowth in mice. (iStock)
Sheila MacNeil, PhD, emeritus professor of tissue engineering at the University of Sheffield, noted that male pattern baldness could benefit from more research.
“There are only two FDA-approved drugs for this condition at present,” she wrote in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
CHOOSE THE BEST HAIRBRUSH FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE
“Our U.K./Pakistan collaboration unexpectedly turned up a small, naturally occurring sugar that stimulates new blood vessel formation, and we were delighted to discover that it not only stimulates wound healing, but [also] stimulates hair growth in an animal model.”
The sugar is “natural, inexpensive and stable,” MacNeill noted, and can be delivered in an “easy to apply gel,” which the researchers plan to explore in further research.
![man combing his hair](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/iStock-606714748.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The sugar could be produced as a hair gel, the study researcher (not pictured) suggested. (iStock)
Dr. John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer in Washington, D.C., called the study findings “intriguing” in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
“This naturally occurring sugar’s effectiveness indicates significant potential in developing new hair loss treatments,” said Whyte, who was not involved in the research.
BAD HAIR DAY? STUDIES SHOW YOU MIGHT WANT TO BLAME YOUR RELATIVES, FAMILY
Current therapies “have been around for a while, have limited effectiveness and can have side effects,” the doctor noted.
Given that this research is still in the early stages, further investigation and clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether the sugar can be “safely and effectively developed into a viable cure for male pattern baldness,” Whyte added.
![man balding at the crown of the head](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/iStock-1942129098.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
“More research is required before it can be considered a cure,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“The public should view these results with cautious optimism,” he went on.
“The study provides hope for new natural treatments for hair loss, but more research is required before it can be considered a cure.”
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Dermatologist Brendan Camp, M.D., in New York, also reacted to the findings, reiterating to Fox News Digital that there are limited treatments available for hair loss.
“The study provides hope for new natural treatments for hair loss, but more research is required before it can be considered a cure.”
“A number of potential treatments have been studied, but none have been found to be curative,” said Camp, who was not involved in the research.
“The current goal of treatment of alopecia is to help patients retain the hair they have.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
This study could ultimately lead to a new, effective therapy if future research is successful, he said.
“The treatment in question, 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), is thought to improve hair growth by causing an increase in the number of blood vessels,” he said.
![man holding fallen hair in hand](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/iStock-1404223839.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
There is currently no cure for alopecia, a dermatologist noted. (iStock)
“While potentially effective at encouraging existing hair follicles to grow, it seems unlikely that it will make follicles that have already disappeared grow back.”
He added, “While promising, this treatment requires additional studies to confirm the reproducibility, efficacy and real-world application of 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) as a treatment for alopecia.”
Health
'I feel a migraine coming on, what can I do right away?': Ask a doctor
!['I feel a migraine coming on, what can I do right away?': Ask a doctor 'I feel a migraine coming on, what can I do right away?': Ask a doctor](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/migraine-split.jpg)
People who suffer from migraines — one out of every seven people globally, statistics show — know that time is of the essence.
When the first signs and symptoms appear, taking quick action can help stop the headache in its tracks — while failing to take those steps can result in a potentially debilitating episode.
People who live with migraines often suffer from daily anxiety about when the next migraine will hit, or whether it will interrupt work or other plans, noted Dr. Robert Cuyler, a psychologist in Houston, Texas, who specializes in chronic headaches.
RED WINE HEADACHES COULD BE CAUSED BY THIS INTRIGUING CULPRIT, STUDY FINDS
“That anxiety can actually lead to worsened symptoms for people whose migraines are accelerated by heightened stress levels,” he said.
Experts agree that finding a calm, quiet and dark environment can be helpful.
One out of every seven people around the world suffers from migraines, statistics show. (iStock)
“This can help reduce the sensory overload, especially visual, that is often associated with migraine onset,” said Dr. Robert Cuyler, a psychologist in Houston, Texas, who specializes in chronic headache.
HEADS UP ON MIGRAINES AS EXPERT REVEALS TIPS FOR FINDING RELIEF FROM ‘DEBILITATING’ HEADACHES
Breathwork can also be helpful, he advised.
“Calming breathing exercises can be particularly beneficial in quieting the anxiety that frequently accompanies migraine pain,” said Cuyler, who is also chief clinical officer of Freespira, a Washington company that makes an FDA-cleared treatment for panic attacks and PTSD symptoms.
“This not only helps in immediate symptom management, but it can also have a direct impact on future situations.”
![Sick dizzy woman](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/04/1200/675/sick-dizzy-woman.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
“Calming breathing exercises can be particularly beneficial in quieting the anxiety that frequently accompanies migraine pain,” an expert said. (iStock)
Other potentially helpful actions include applying temperature therapy with hot or cold compresses or sipping a caffeinated drink, according to Mayo Clinic.
ASK A DOCTOR: ‘IS IT DANGEROUS TO CRACK MY NECK OR BACK?’
While some people find relief in medications — including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs — Cuyler emphasized the power of the mind-body connection in controlling migraines.
“When a migraine strikes, people understandably run to the medicine cabinet — but it’s also essential to consider the emotional load of chronic headaches,” he said.
![Man with hangover](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1200/675/man-with-hangover.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Finding a calm, quiet and dark environment can help alleviate migraine pain, experts said. (iStock)
“Addressing the psychological aspects of migraines is an often overlooked tool that can greatly help a person’s ability to cope with and potentially reduce the toll of these debilitating headaches.”
It can also be helpful to remind yourself that it’s just a temporary condition, according to Cuyler.
“The pain will eventually pass, and ordinary life will be possible again,” he said.
“This approach can help reduce that anxiety and promote a sense of control, which is vital when dealing with the often unpredictable nature of migraines.”
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Cuyler also recommended reflecting on the positive events or situations you’ve avoided out of fear of a migraine.
![Woman with headache](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/06/1200/675/woman-with-headache-outside.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Anyone who suffers from severe or frequent migraines should contact a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. (iStock)
“We know that avoidance can ‘shrink’ your life and increase isolation, loneliness and eventually even depression.”
It can also be helpful to keep a migraine diary, recording any potential triggers when headaches occur.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
Anyone who suffers from severe or frequent migraines should contact a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, experts noted.
Health
Sweden reports first case of highly-infectious mpox virus outside Africa amid outbreak there
![Sweden reports first case of highly-infectious mpox virus outside Africa amid outbreak there Sweden reports first case of highly-infectious mpox virus outside Africa amid outbreak there](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/AP24228646932113.jpg)
Swedish health authorities announced the first case of the highly-infectious mpox just a day after the World Health Organization declared a global emergency for the outbreaks in Africa.
In this case, a person was infected during a stay in the part of Africa where there is a major outbreak of (the more infectious mpox formerly known as monkeypox),” the Public Health Agency of Sweden announced on Thursday.
Magnus Gisslen, a state epidemiologist with the Swedish health agency, said the person had been treated and given “rules of conduct.”
“The fact that a patient with mpox is treated in the country does not affect the risk to the general population,” Swedish officials said.
MPOX DECLARED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN AFRICA AS AUTHORITIES BATTLE MULTIPLE VARIANTS
Swedish state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén speaks during a press conference Thursday regarding mpox, in Stockholm. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT News Agency via AP)
The announcement of an infected resident in the Scandinavian country comes just a day after WHO declared the mpox outbreak a global emergency.
The U.N. health agency said there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths this year, which already exceed last year’s figures.
So far, more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in Congo.
![monkeypox child nigeria infection](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/06/1200/675/Monkeypox-1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Mpox on a child in Nigeria. (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control via WHO)
What is mpox?
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified by scientists in 1958 when there were outbreaks of a “pox-like” disease in monkeys. Until recently, most human cases were seen in people in Central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals.
In 2022, the virus was confirmed to spread via sex for the first time and triggered outbreaks in more than 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox.
‘ZIKA-LIKE’ MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS HAS SPREAD INTO EUROPE, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN
Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals.
Earlier this year, scientists identified a highly contagious form of mpox, which can kill up to 10% of people.
![Monkeypox test](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/09/1200/675/monkeypox-vax.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Mpox is transmittable and highly-contagious. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
Scientists in Europe have maintained that although mpox is transmittable and highly-contagious, advanced healthcare in Sweden and other rich countries can stop the transmission before it becomes an epidemic.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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