Given the worldwide rise of Mpox previously known as MonkeyPox, the World Health Organization (WHO) is discussing the potential emergency declaration. In 2024, thousands of Mpox cases have been reported worldwide. Even the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a health emergency due to the constant rise in cases. The incubation period is around 3-17 days; during this time, an individual does not have symptoms and possibly feels fine. Mpox is a virus-generated disease as it can spread to others from when symptoms start appearing until the rashes have fully healed and a fresh new layer of skin has been formed. The major global Mpox outbreak began in 2022 when it attracted worldwide attention. Now it has become quite common as it has spread to other parts of the nation.
Mpox Outbreak in India 2024 ?
The Mpox virus was first discovered among monkeys in 1958. Human cases were limited to the Central and West African regions till 2022. Earlier to 2022, there was no significant trace of the virus spread to humans. The WHO discovered that Mpox is a sexually transmitted virus and has been traced in more than 70 countries worldwide. The highest number of cases affected with Mpox were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even the highest number of deaths were also reported in the DRC due to Mpox in 2024. The outbreak of the Mpox virus was first reported in Kerala after that has spread to other states as well. Since March 2024, more than 30 laboratory cases have been confirmed across India.
MonkeyPox virus is part of the same family as Smallpox but it causes milder symptoms than smallpox. A new variant has been discovered in Congo, symptoms of which are milder but there is a rise in the number of deaths compared to last year. The Mpox virus primarily affected gay and bisexual men and was spread due to close contact, intimacy, and sex in 2022. However, in 2024, children under the age of 15 are more prone to being infected with the virus as 70 percent of the cases and 85 of the deaths occurred in children under 15 years of age.
Mpox Outbreak 2024 India Quick Overview
| Title | Mpox Outbreak 2024 |
| Mpox Outbreak | Virus Generated Disease |
| Category | Mpox Outbreak |
| Incubation Period | 3-17 Days |
| Symptoms | Rashes, Chills, Headache, Swollen Lymph Nodes etc. |
| Prevention | Wear a Mask, Avoid Close Contact, Consult Healthcare Provider |
| Recent Outbreaks | The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda |
What are the Signs of Mpox?
As the WHO has declared Mpox a health emergency worldwide, awareness about the spread of the virus has been promoted. The signs and symptoms may differ from region to region and person to person. Individuals who have a history are more prone to be infected. Refer to the following common symptoms in individuals reported worldwide
- Rash on face, hands, feet, chest, mouth, and genitals including the penis, vagina, anus, testicles and labia
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Rashes
- Fiver
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Headache
- Muscle ache and backache
- Respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat or cough
- Sometimes rashes look like pimples and blisters
During the incubation period, individuals do not have symptoms and feel fine as the Mpox virus symptoms start appearing within 21 days of exposure. If the person has flu-like symptoms, the rash will appear within 1-4 days later.
The WHO warns that there are severe complications of Mpox. It may lead to difficulty swallowing, eye infections, vomiting, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain, heart, and rectum. Persons with HIV or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of drastic outcomes.
Mpox Preventions
The New WHO report suggests that Mpox can spread to the person one to four days before the symptoms start appearing. It can spread to others from the time symptoms start appearing till the time rash is completely healed and a new layer of skin is formed.
The best preventive method for Mpox is to avoid contact with the infected person.
- Protective clothing in areas of high risk
- Avoiding close contact
- Avoid contact with infected animals and humans
- Maintain good hygiene
- In case a person is infected with the virus Isolation is suggested for the safety of the family and children
MonkeyPox Treatment
Currently, the CDC does not recommend any immunization against Mpox for the general public but in cases of severe infection such as sexual risk factors, JYNNEOS is recommended.
JYNNEOS is a third-generation vaccine for the treatment of Mpox and as of now, it is considered best to administer in critical cases.
If you have recently come in close contact with a person who is infected with Mpox, make sure that you have visited the healthcare provider. If you are recommended to get tested, then get it done for further medical treatment.
- Stay hydrated
- Use over-the-counter medications to manage pain and fever
- Antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat can also be administered in severe cases and high-risk
The WHO recommends maintaining a safe distance from the infected person to avoid getting infected with the same. Also, the Health Organization recommends getting yourself tested once you start feeling any of the above-mentioned symptoms of Mpox. Early detection is the best possible treatment and appropriate preventive method to tackle the worldwide Mpox Outbreak.
Wear protective clothing when coming in contact with a healthcare provider for prevention. Children under the age of 15 must be treated with better care and enhanced safety to prevent the outbreak from turning into a pandemic as the WHO suggests.
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