Mpox – Is it  a Global Emergency?

The ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). This declaration was made due to the rapid and widespread nature of the outbreak, particularly in Central and East Africa, where the virus has been spreading to new regions and affecting vulnerable populations.

Experts around the world are monitoring the situation closely. Here’s what to know.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since become endemic in several Central and West African countries.

 

Symptoms

Mpox typically presents with symptoms similar to but milder than smallpox. These include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Rash or lesions: The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and genitals. The lesions progress through several stages before crusting and falling off.

 

Transmission

Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. It can be transmitted via:

• Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person.
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Contact with contaminated objects such as clothing or bedding.
• Animal-to-human transmission, which can occur through bites, scratches, or the preparation of wild game.

 

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment for mpox, but smallpox vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing infection. Supportive care, including hydration, pain relief, and treating secondary bacterial infections, is essential for managing symptoms. Public health measures such as isolation, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns are crucial for controlling outbreaks​

 

Is Mpox really a global health outbreak?                       

Yes, the ongoing Mpox outbreak has been declared a global health emergency, particularly due to the significant resurgence in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) made this declaration in response to the rapid spread of the virus across multiple countries,      especially in Central and East Africa. This outbreak is notable for affecting new regions and populations, including several East African countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda​.

 

Who is at Risk?

The people most at risk during this outbreak include:

• Children: Particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where a large number of cases and deaths have occurred among children under 15 years old.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM): This group was significantly affected during the 2022 global outbreak and remains at risk.
• Individuals in close contact with infected persons: This includes caregivers, healthcare workers, and those in close physical proximity to infected individuals.
• People in regions with limited access to healthcare: Due to poor public health infrastructure, those in rural or conflict-ridden areas, such as parts of the DRC, are particularly vulnerable​.

The virus can spread through close contact, including sexual contact, which has been a notable transmission route in recent outbreaks.

 

Mpox cases in India and neighbouring countries

Mpox cases have been reported in India and its neighboring countries as part of the ongoing global outbreak. Here’s a summary of the current situation:

India

• India has seen sporadic cases of Mpox since the outbreak began in 2022. The first confirmed case was reported in Kerala in a 35-year-old patient. Although there has not been a significant surge in cases recently, the country remains vigilant, especially after the recent global increase in cases​.

Pakistan

• Pakistan recently reported its first three cases of Mpox in August 2024. These cases were detected in individuals who had traveled from the United Arab Emirates. The patients are currently in quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus​.

Other Neighboring Countries

• Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have not reported any recent confirmed cases of Mpox during this outbreak. However, these countries are on alert, given the situation in neighboring regions.

The global Mpox outbreak has led to increased monitoring and precautionary measures across South Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure may be less equipped to handle outbreaks​.