Mpox Virus: With almost 99,000 cases and 200 deaths recorded since 2022, the mpox outbreak is becoming worse. It’s deemed a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO.
The mpox virus (MPXV), which is related to the smallpox virus, is the cause of mpox, sometimes referred to as monkeypox. It is the second Public Health Emergency of International Concern to be proclaimed by the World Health Organization following the outbreaks in July 2022 and May 2023. Since 2022, 116 countries have recorded almost 99,000 cases and 200 deaths, according to WHO data. Following an upsurge in cases reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries, the decision was made to activate the high alert.
What are the symptoms are how is Mpox Virus transmitted?
Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and pox-like rashes are some of the most common symptoms of Mpox which can be seen 1-21 days after exposure. The symptoms can last from two to three weeks. Though it is a self-limiting virus, it is found to be fatal for children and people with weaker immune systems. Mpox is usually transmitted through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on genitals. Using contaminated objects like clothing can also result in deadly infections.
The current expansion of MPXV is caused by a novel variety clade Ib, which emerged from clade I and is transmitted through sexual interaction. MPXV has two clades: clade I and clade II, with clade I being deadlier and native to the African Congo. More than 100 instances of clade Ib have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s four surrounding countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The death toll has increased to around 500, with approximately 15,000 cases reported in 2024 alone.
What does this signify for India?
The first case outside of Africa was reported in Sweden, and if international travel continues, it is expected to spread to other continents. During the 2022 outbreak, India first reported many cases of clade II Mpox, which is less lethal, from Kerala. However, persons with no history of international travel had fallen victim to this ailment in Delhi’s capital region. According to the WHO, several laboratories have confirmed instances, with at least one death in India.
Tamil Nadu’s Director of Public Health has directed health officials to perform thorough screenings of anyone returning to India from the virus-infected African region. However, there has been no report.of cases, the state has ensured preventive measures to avoid any risks. The cities of Hyderabad and New Delhi are put on high alert as well with a high amount of African students pursuing education.
What about vaccines for Mpox Virus?
WHO has been working on developing vaccines with different countries and vaccine manufacturers to ensure access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other tools. There are two vaccines currently in use for Mpox as recommended by the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.
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