According to the WHO, Mpox has symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe. (File)
New Delhi:
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that droplets were a “minor” transmission route for MPOX compared to physical contact, adding that more research is needed to understand how the virus spreads.
The UN health agency declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, amid a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries.
Two different variants of the virus in particular, Ia and Ib, are causing great concern in the DRC. A third variant, Clade II, emerged in Nigeria and was responsible for the global outbreak that started in 2022.
What is Mpox?
The mpox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe, according to the WHO website.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
- Fever
- Extensive characteristic rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Back pain and muscle pain
- Lack of energy
The incubation period of mpox can range from 5 to 21 days. According to the WHO, the febrile stage of the disease (when fever persists) usually lasts 1 to 3 days. This is followed by the rash phase, which can last 2 to 4 weeks.
How does Mpox spread?
The WHO has said that MPox mainly spreads between people through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. “Close contact includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing),” the report said.
However, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said today that if a person with the virus has lesions, “if you talk close to someone, breathe on him or her, physically close, face to face, there is a possibility” of viral spread. “but this is a small source”.
“When you talk to someone, you spit out droplets,” but “it’s not a very significant form of transmission — and it’s not airborne, long-distance transmission,” she added.
The WHO recommends the use of face masks for people with MPOX, their close contacts and healthcare workers treating them.
Does mpox have a vaccine?
Yes, there are vaccines recommended by the WHO for use against MPOX. Only people who are at risk should receive the vaccine. The WHO has not recommended mass vaccination against MPox.
How has India prepared for a possible MPox outbreak?
India currently has no active MPOX cases. The government had instructed authorities at airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert to incoming international passengers showing MPox symptoms.
The All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had issued protocols for the treatment of suspected MPOX cases in India. Several government hospitals were ordered to set up isolation rooms for suspected and confirmed cases of MPOX.
The institute has recommended establishing a screening process in the triage area, whereby patients with fever, rash or a history of contact with confirmed MPOX cases should be flagged for immediate assessment upon arrival.
An assessment found the risk of a major outbreak with sustained transmission is low, officials said.
(With input from AFP)
