Mpox Virus: Know about the outbreak and what it means for India
Mpox outbreak is on the rise, with over 99,000 cases and 200 deaths reported since 2022. The WHO declares it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Mpox, earlier known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the mpox virus (MPXV) which belongs to the same family as smallpox. The World Health Organisation has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, receiving the status for the second time after the July 2022 and May 2023 outbreaks. According to data from the WHO, approximately 99,000 cases and 200 deaths have been reported in 116 countries since 2022. The decision was set to high alert after an increased number of cases were reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbouring countries.
What are the symptoms are how is Mpox transmitted?
Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and pox-like rashes are some of the most common symptoms of Mpox which can be seen 1-21 days after exposure. The symptoms can last from two to three weeks. Though it is a self-limiting virus, it is found to be fatal for children and people with weaker immune systems. Mpox can spread through respiratory droplets through prolonged close contact. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with the fluid of infected lesions and indirectly through contaminated clothing. Recently cases of sexual transmission through infected lesions have also been reported.
The current spread of MPXV originates from a new variant clade Ib, sprouting from clade I which is transmitted through sexual contact. There are two types of clades for MPXV: clade I and clade II, with clade I being deadlier and native to the African Congo. More than 100 cases of clade Ib have been reported in the four neighbouring countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The death toll has risen to more than 500 and around 15,000 cases have been reported in 2024 alone.
How to prevent it?Proper precautions and early isolation of infected cases can help to reduce transmission and control any possible outbreak. "Use of good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitisers is also recommended. For patients dealing with an infected person like healthcare professionals, theuse of protective measures like masks is mandatory. Isolation of cases and proper disposal of their biomedical waste is also important to decrease the spread," says Dr Monica Chahar, Chief Dermatologist & Director at Skin Decor.
Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling animals or their waste. and also using hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available, can help in the prevention of the disease.
What does it mean for India?
The first case outside the African continent was reported in Sweden, and with ongoing international travel, it is likely to reach the continents as well. During the 2022 outbreak, India had seen multiple cases of clade II Mpox, which is less deadly, from Kerala initially. However, people with no history of foreign travel had been victims of this disease in the capital region of Delhi. Various laboratories confirmed cases and at least one death in India, according to the WHO.
"During 2022 out break, India saw a few cases of Mpox which was less virulent. Indian Government has become became strict about screening of people travelling back from African countries. It is low level transmission around the world and chances of spreading to India from Africa are low. However, the hospitals are alerted to screen patients coming from African countries who have symptoms of the disease," says Dr Sunita Nagpal, senior Gynaecologist and Practitioner at Salubritas Medcentre.
Tamil Nadu's Director of Public Health has ordered its health officials to conduct a strict screening of people travelling back to India from the African region, which has been affected by the virus. Though there has been no report of cases, the state has ensured preventive measures to avoid any risks. The cities of Hyderabad and New Delhi are put on high alert as well with a high amount of African students pursuing education.
What about vaccines for Mpox?
WHO has been working on developing vaccines with different countries and vaccine manufacturers to ensure access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other tools. There are two vaccines currently in use for Mpox as recommended by the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.
Dr Vibhu Kawatra, Pulmonologist (sleep expert) paediatrician & allergy specialist shares the names of two vaccines currently have been approved in UK and USA: Jynneos (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000. “Jynneos is a newer, modified live virus vaccine specifically approved for protection against both smallpox and mpox. It is a safer alternative for those with weakened immune systems or other conditions that make them more vulnerable to complications from traditional smallpox vaccines. ACAM2000 is another smallpox vaccine that can be used for mpox prevention, but it is a live attenuated vaccine and may have more side effects compared to newer vaccines like Jynneos,” he adds. These vaccines are for Smallpox, and provide 85% protection against Mpox.
