MPox: New Global Health Crisis?

Mpox has become a public health crisis now. On 14th August 2024, the World Health Organization Director-General declared the Mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. A significant number of cases were reported in a few countries to have a claim to become the next pandemic like COVID-19. So, what is Mpox?

In this blog, you can expect:

What is Mpox?
Spread of Mpox?
Strains and Symptoms of Mpox?
Risk of Mpox?
Diagnosis of Mpox?
Treatment of Mpox?
Current scenario-Global and India

WHAT IS MPOX?

Mpox is a viral infection caused by monkeypox virus. It can be spread from one person to another through close contact.

2. SPREAD OF MPOX?

Transmission via close contact with the infected individuals or animals and in contact with the contaminated objects like tables, towels.

3. STRAINS AND SYMPTOMS OF MPOX?

There are two primary strains of Mpox. Clade I (Central African) and Clade II (West African). Central African is considered the more virulent of the two.

Symptoms may vary. The intensity can be less in one individual and severe in another individual.

Main symptom is rash. Rashes can be located near the genitals or anus. It can be located in the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.
Fever
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Exhausion
Muscle ache and backache
Headache
Respiratory symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.

The symptoms lasts for 7-14 days (but ranges from 5-21 days).

4. RISK OF MPOX?

Person who came in contact with the individuals who had Mpox (skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-skin and face-to-face contacts), and came in contact with the objects contaminated with Mpox.

5. DIAGNOSIS OF MPOX?

A swab test of the sores or rashes on the skin is used for diagnosis.

5. TREATMENT FOR MPOX?

There is no specific treatment for Mpox infection. But, antiviral drugs and vaccines which are used for small pox may also be used for Mpox virus.

6. CURRENT SCENARIO OF MPOX SPREAD?

The outbreak started in 2022 after an endemic in Central and West Africa. The recent outbreak showed a global surge in many countries, including European regions. African countries like Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, and European countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany.

INDIA

A total of 30 cases were reported in India after the outbreak in 2022. Last case was reported in March 2024, in Kerala. Four new cases was reported in Pakistan occupied India. Preventive measures were taken in India.

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