This article explains what mpox is, how it spreads, and what precautions can be taken to prevent its transmission. It covers human-to-human transmission, animal-to-human transmission, and the potential for human-to-animal transmission. It also discusses the importance of avoiding close contact with infected individuals and animals, and the role of hygiene in preventing the spread of the virus.
Mpox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the disease, including its transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Despite no current Monkeypox cases in India, the health ministry is taking proactive measures following the WHO’s recent declaration of a public health emergency. They are preparing testing facilities and educating health units to prevent and manage any potential cases.
Africa is facing a concerning surge in mpox cases, particularly the more transmissible and deadly Clade 1b strain. The WHO has declared an international health emergency, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response. The outbreak has raised concerns about the lack of investment in research and development for mpox, despite the growing threat.
Monkeypox, or mpox, a cousin of smallpox, has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time in two years. This resurgence is driven by a new, more virulent strain, raising concerns about its spread, particularly in India. This article explores the transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of mpox, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and India’s preparedness for a potential outbreak.
While the World Health Organization declared a global emergency for Mpox outbreaks, India’s Health Ministry maintains a low risk of surge in the country. Despite 30 confirmed cases since 2022, the last case was reported in March 2023. The ministry is taking precautionary measures including issuing advisories to entry points and holding a meeting to review the situation.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises travelers to regions of Africa affected by monkeypox to consider getting vaccinated due to a new, potentially more severe strain. While the WHO declared a global emergency, the ECDC assesses widespread transmission risk as low. The new Clade 1b strain has been linked to hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting its potential for rapid spread and increased severity.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively monitoring the situation of mpox in India, conducting serosurveys and maintaining ongoing surveillance. Despite the WHO declaring mpox a global public health emergency, India has not reported any new cases since last year. The ICMR is collaborating with Serum Institute of India to develop a vaccine, and the country is taking proactive measures to prevent a major outbreak.
Pakistan has reported two new cases of mpox, bringing the total number of cases in the country to three. The latest cases were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the first case was also reported. All three patients recently returned from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Health officials are tracing close contacts of the patients, including fellow passengers on their flights. Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals.
China has announced mandatory screenings for mpox at its borders, following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency. This comes as a new, more dangerous variant of mpox was detected in Sweden, raising concerns about its spread.
