Faculty of Medicine, Sriwijaya University, Dr. Mohammad Ali Street-RSMH Complex, Palembang, 30126, Indonesia.
Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, 1007, Latvia.
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2024;1451:383-397. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_25.
Monkeypox (Mpox) virus is a zoonotic disease that was recently declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash which starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The stigma surrounding the Mpox virus has been one of the greatest challenges in dealing with the disease. People with Mpox have been often shunned by their communities, and many are afraid to seek medical care for fear of ostracism. For those affected by the virus, this stigma can significantly impact their mental health and quality of life. It is further fueled by misinformation and societal norms. Hence, a multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement is needed to overcome the stigma associated with Mpox. Effective communication strategies are critical to the dispelling of rumors and the reduction of fear. Interventional measures need to be shaped according to the needs of those affected.
猴痘（Mpox）病毒是一种人畜共患疾病，最近被世界卫生组织（WHO）宣布为国际关注的突发公共卫生事件（PHEIC）。Mpox 的症状包括发热、头痛、肌肉疼痛和皮疹，皮疹首先出现在面部，然后扩散到身体的其他部位。围绕 Mpox 病毒的污名是应对该疾病的最大挑战之一。患有 Mpox 的人经常被他们的社区排斥，许多人因为害怕被排斥而不敢寻求医疗护理。对于受该病毒影响的人来说，这种污名将严重影响他们的心理健康和生活质量。它进一步受到错误信息和社会规范的影响。因此，需要采取多方面的方法，包括教育、宣传运动和社区参与，以克服与 Mpox 相关的污名。有效的沟通策略对于消除谣言和减少恐惧至关重要。干预措施需要根据受影响者的需求来制定。
