Is India at Risk of MPox Virus? What you Need to Know

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been making headlines globally. With cases reported in various countries, concerns about its potential spread to India have arisen.

Facts and Figures About MPox

• As of 2023, MPox cases have been reported in over 20 countries outside Africa, with the largest outbreaks occurring in the United States and Europe.
• The mortality rate for MPox is estimated to be less than 1%, but it can be higher in children and people with weakened immune systems.
• The two main clades of the monkeypox virus are Clade I (Central African) and Clade II (West African). Clade II is generally considered to be less severe.
•  As of August 14, 2024, the WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
•  The WHO is working with countries to develop a global strategy for eliminating and controlling MPox.

What is Mpox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is related to the smallpox virus but usually causes a milder illness. The disease was initially identified in 1958 in monkeys but mainly affects rodents and other wild animals. Symptoms can include a painful rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

How Mpox Transmits?

MPox can be transmitted through various routes:

• Direct Contact: The virus spreads through close or direct contact with a person's bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and lesions of an infected person. This includes skin-to-skin contact (touching or sex), mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (kissing), or face-to-face contact with an infected person with respiratory droplets.
• Animal Contact: Zoonotic transmission can occur when people handle infected animals, such as rodents or primates.
• Contaminated Materials can also spread through contaminated bedding, clothing, or other materials.

•  Pregnant women can transfer the virus to their unborn baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Symptoms of MPox Virus

MPox symptoms generally appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure. They include:

Initial Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle Ache
• Backache
• Swollen Lymph nodes
• Skin rashes or mucosal lesions

Duration of Illness

Mpox generally lasts for 2-4 weeks. It may vary in different people, but the illness lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. The Mpox progresses through stages, from fever and flu-like symptoms to the developing rash. Most of the patients recover within a few weeks. Severe cases can result in complications, particularly people with weakened immune systems.

Vaccine for MPox

Vaccines developed for smallpox can also be used to prevent MPox in some cases. 

Currently, there is no specific vaccine for MPox. However, the smallpox vaccine has been shown to offer some protection against MPox. Research is ongoing to develop vaccines specifically targeted at MPox.

How to Prevent Yourself from the MPox Virus?

Preventive measures are crucial for controlling and managing the spread of MPox:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with MPox.
• Wash your hands regularly to prevent the risk of infections. Use hand sanitizer regularly.
• Avoid contact with contaminated materials.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about MPox.
• If you travel to areas where MPox is endemic, avoid contact with wild animals and consume only well-cooked meat.

Diagnosis And Treatment 

Laboratory tests are crucial for confirming a diagnosis of MPox. PCR tests are the primary diagnostic tool for detecting MPox DNA. This test is very sensitive and can identify the virus in various samples, including skin lesions and respiratory secretions (skin, fluid, or crust) by swab test. In the absence of skin lesions, tests can be conducted using oropharyngeal, anal, or rectal swabs. Blood tests are not recommended.

Currently, there is no significant and specific antiviral treatment available for MPox. Management of the disease typically involves:

• Supportive Care: Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as pain and fever. Hydration and rest are crucial.
• Antiviral Medication: Antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (used for smallpox) may be administered in severe cases.
• Isolation: Patients should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

MPox has not posed a significant risk to India thus far, as it is a global spread. However, understanding MPox, practicing preventive measures, and staying informed are important to manage and mitigate potential risks.