Mpox was declared a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ by the World Health Organization last month.
As per a statement issued by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, a suspected case of Mpox has been identified in India. The ministry stated, “A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country currently experiencing Mpox transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of Mpox,” adding that the patient is currently in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry asserted that there is no cause of any undue concern, despite Mpox being declared a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ by the World Health Organization last month. It cannot be ruled out that the threat of a large outbreak with sustained transmission of Mpox is low in India. Nonetheless, one should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Mpox is a viral infection caused by Mpox virus (MPXV). While it is a self-limiting disease, it can lead to death, especially in those with weak immune systems, including children. The infection, which primarily affects humans and animals, starts with signs of flu — fever, headache, muscle pains, and tiredness. However, it soon leads to pus-filled lesions on the body, and it can last from 2 to 4 weeks.
Mpox can be transmitted to another human being or animal by contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. Hence, it is ideal to stay away from anyone with rashes, vesicles, or pustules. One should wash hands frequently, and not share personal items with others.
Amid the global outbreak of Mpox, the infection does not easily spread through the air, as per a US CDC report. As per the report, “travelling on a flight with a person with Mpox does not appear to constitute an exposure risk or warrant routine contact tracing activities”.
While there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections, people who have strong immune systems and don’t have skin disease can recover from it. It is ideal for patients to isolate from others until you have been tested.
According to public health experts in India, the risk for the infection to spread among people is low, unlike Covid-19. However, it is advised that community engagement about the infection should be raised, and educating people about risk factors, transmission, signs and symptoms, is imperative.
