Mpox has been declared as public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) twice by the World Health Organization (WHO), the first time in May 2022 and the second time in August 2024. Since 2022, there has been an upsurge in Mpox cases and death in the countries like Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new strain of this virus Clade I and Clade Ib has been spreading from person to person. As of mid-2024, the clade has also been reported in other countries.
Mpox In India
India has reported first confirmed case of Mpox Clade 1b in Kerala. According to the sources, a 38-year-old man who landed in Kerala from the UAE, last week is said to have the symptoms.
It is linked to highly transmissible Clade 1B strain, which is considered to be deadly. There have been cases of Mpox in India earlier also, but they were linked to less deadly Clade II strain. As per the reports, 20 cases of Mpox have been identified in the country from 2022-2024.
According to the WHO reports, over 120 countries have reported Mpox between January 2022 to August 2024, with over 100 000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported and over 220 deaths among confirmed cases. “A global outbreak of Clade IIb began in 2022 and continues to this day, including in some African countries. There are also growing outbreaks of Clades Ia and Ib affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa. As of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa”, stated WHO.
What Is Mpox And How Does It Spread?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). It is not airborne.
This disease causes painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
It spreads from person to person through close contact with the infected person. Close contact includes skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact. It can also spread from contaminated objects such as clothing, linen, needles.
Signs and symptoms of Mpox begins within a week and can start within 1-21 days after exposure. Symptoms usually differ from one person to another. In some, it can start with a fever, sore throat, muscle ache, while in others it can begin with rash. Rashes first occur in face and spreads in other parts of the body.
Who Are At Risk?
According to WHO, children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from Mpox.
Identification of Mpox gets difficult due to the similar signs and symptoms with other infections like cold, cough etc.
Prevention And Care
Managing the rashes is important in care and treatment. Early and supportive care can help in managing the symptoms and avoiding further complications. Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is of utmost importance. People should isolate themselves and stay in their home with proper ventilation. They shouldn’t pop the blisters, scratch the sores.
Mpox vaccine can help in prevention of the infection. There is no proven effective antiviral treatment for Mpox in the world till date.
What Does WHO Say?
According to the WHO, “In May 2022, an outbreak of Mpox appeared suddenly and rapidly spread across Europe, the Americas and then all six WHO regions. The global outbreak has affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and has spread person-to-person through sexual networks. More information on the global outbreak is available here, including information on community responses to control the outbreak”.
As per the WHO, it continues to be a threat today. WHO works with Member States and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of Mpox. It includes research on vaccines and treatments, strengthening country health systems, and working to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other tools.
