Human monkeypox virus in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The end of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent stopping of vaccination against smallpox was followed by the emergence of monkeypox (mpox), a viral disease of animal origin, meaning that it is transmitted from animal to human. The symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox, except that they are less severe in terms of clinical features. In the case of public health, the mpox virus is one of the most important orthopoxviruses (such as variola, cowpox, and vaccinia) that come from the family Poxviridae. Mpox occurs mostly in central Africa and sometimes in tropical rainforests or some urban areas. Also, there are threats other than COVID-19, that must be addressed and prevented from spreading, as there has been an outbreak of mpox cases since May 7, 2022, throughout the USA, Europe, Australia, and part of Africa. OBJECTIVES: In this review, we will discuss mpox between the past, the present and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it offers an updated summary of the taxonomy, etiology, transmission, and epidemiology of mpox illness. In addition, the current review aims to highlight the importance of emerging pandemics in the same era such as mpox and COVID-19. METHODS: A literature search was done for the study using online sources like PubMed and Google Scholar. Publications in English were included. Data for study variables were extracted. After the duplicate articles were eliminated, full-text screening was performed on the papers' titles and abstracts. RESULTS: The evaluation included a series documenting mpox virus outbreaks, and both prospective and retrospectiveinvestigations. CONCLUSIONS: monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is primarily found in central and western Africa. The disease is transmitted from animals to humans and presents symptoms similar to those of smallpox, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. Monkeypox can lead to complications such as secondary integument infection, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis, as well as corneal infection that can result in blindness. There is no specific clinically proven treatment for monkeypox, and treatment is primarily supportive. However, antiviral drugs and vaccines are available for cross-protection against the virus, and strict infection control measures and vaccination of close contacts of affected individuals can help prevent and control outbreaks.

Knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among medical and paramedical students

Background: Vaccine hesitancy poses severe challenges in achieving population immunity. Achieving high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates to ensure medical students' coverage as future health care providers is necessary. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine among medical and paramedical students to determine factors and barriers influencing vaccination decision making. Method: A cross sectional, survey based study was conducted among Al Rayan medical and paramedical students. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS with descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 465 students completed the survey. Over all, students expressed good knowledge of vaccination safety. However, students expressed different opinions towards receiving the vaccine. 52.4% of students showed great uncertainty towards the vaccine, 20.9% refused to take it and only 26.7% expressed that they would take it with great confidence. However, 50.5% of students expressed doubts about the vaccine's efficacy and 52.7% thought the vaccination process was expedited. In addition, 50.6% of respondents think they do not need to be vaccinated because they are still young and healthy. Conclusion: Medical and paramedical students have different outlooks toward vaccination. Several factors contribute to their decision, such as the lack of confidence in data provided by the media and authorities regarding the safety and validation process. Therefore, there is a severe need to educate young adults regarding the importance of vaccination to minimize the negative consequences of COVID19.

COVID-19 pandemic related excessive electronic media exposure and mental health in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the emergence of novel mutated viral variants, families all over the world are experiencing wide-ranging stressors that threaten not only their financial well-being but also their physical and mental health. The present study assessed the association between excessive electronic media exposure of pandemic-related news and mental health of the residents of Ha'il Province, Saudi Arabia. The present study also assessed the prevalence of perceived stress, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and loneliness due to COVID-19-related restrictions in the same population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 490 residents of Ha'il Province participated in a cross-sectional online survey during a two-month period (March to April 2021). A validated 38-item self-report survey was used to collect the data. RESULTS: Significant associations were reported between excessive electronic media exposure and the prevalence of perceived stress (χ2=140.56; p<.001), generalized anxiety (χ2=74.55; p<.001), depression (χ2=71.58; p<.001), COVID-19-related fear (χ2=24.54; p<.001), and loneliness (χ2=11.46; p<.001). It was also found that participants without depressive symptoms were 0.28 times less likely to have been exposed to excessive electronic media exposure (AOR: 0.28; C.I. 0.16-0.48; p<.001). Similarly, participants with no stress/mild stress were 0.32 times less likely to have been exposed to excessive electronic media exposure (AOR: 0.32; C.I. 0.19-0.52; p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest an urgent need for educational resilience programs (online and in-person) for susceptible individuals (females, unemployed, urban residents, etc.). Such programs would help them to develop skills to cope with the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.