The Union Health Ministry said on 08 September 2024 (Sunday) that there might be a case of Mpox in one of the hospitals selected to treat this disease in India. The case is still being checked to see if the person has Mpox. The person is a man who recently travelled to an African country where Mpox is spreading.
The ministry said the patient is a young male who returned from a country where Mpox is active. He has symptoms that made doctors think he might have Mpox. The man is now in isolation at a hospital that is prepared for such cases. His condition is stable right now, but doctors are doing more tests to confirm if it is Mpox.
MPOX Outbreak in India
The Union Health Ministry said that this case matches the earlier risk assessment by the National Centre for Disease Control. There is no need for the public to worry too much. The situation is being closely watched, and there is no reason for unnecessary fear right now.
It is important to know that the World Health Organization declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024. This shows that the disease is being taken seriously worldwide. The global outbreak of Mpox first caught attention in 2022 when cases started appearing in different countries. Since then, efforts have been made globally to control the spread and manage the virus.
MPox Signs and Symptoms
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, shows different signs and symptoms, usually starting within a week after being exposed. In some cases, symptoms may take 1 to 21 days to appear. The illness generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks, but for people with weak immune systems, it might last longer.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
The order of these symptoms can vary. Some people might first see a rash, while others may feel fever, muscle pain, or a sore throat.
The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts like the palms, soles, and genital areas. It starts as flat sores, which turn into blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can be itchy or painful. As they heal, the sores dry up, form a crust, and fall off.
The number of sores varies from person to person. Some may have only a few, while others may have hundreds. These can appear on:
- Palms of hands and soles of feet
- Face, mouth, and throat
- Groin and genital areas
- Anus
Some people may also have painful swelling in the rectum or feel pain while urinating or swallowing.
How Mpox Spreads?
People with mpox can spread it until their sores have healed, and new skin forms. Some people may have the virus without symptoms, but it’s unclear how often this happens.
Who is at Higher Risk?
Certain groups have a higher risk of serious illness from mpox. These include:
- Children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with weak immune systems, like those with uncontrolled HIV
For them, mpox can lead to severe illness or even death.
Complications
Some people may face complications like:
- Skin infections that cause abscesses
- Pneumonia
- Eye infections that could cause vision loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting and diarrhoea that can lead to dehydration
- Life-threatening infections like sepsis or encephalitis
In rare cases, mpox can be fatal, especially for those with weak immune systems or complications.
Mpox (Monkeypox) Treatment and Vaccination
The main focus when treating mpox is to care for the rash, manage pain, and prevent complications. Early supportive care is key to reducing symptoms and avoiding further health issues. This care includes keeping the skin clean, using pain relief medicines, and staying hydrated.
Mpox Vaccination
Vaccination helps prevent mpox infection, especially for people at high risk. This is called pre-exposure prophylaxis, where the vaccine is given before contact with the virus. It is recommended during outbreaks when the risk of exposure is high.
High-Risk Groups for Mpox:
- Healthcare workers and caregivers who might treat mpox patients
- People living with someone who has mpox, including children
- People with multiple sexual partners, especially men who have sex with men
- Sex workers of any gender and their clients
Post-Exposure Vaccination
In some cases, the mpox vaccine can be given after contact with the virus. This is known as post-exposure prophylaxis. The vaccine works best when given within 4 days of exposure, but it can still be given up to 14 days if no symptoms have appeared.
Antiviral Treatments
Some antiviral medicines are being used in emergencies and studied in clinical trials, but there is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox yet. Research continues, with a focus on providing the best supportive care to patients.
What is Mpox (Monkeypox)?
Mpox is a contagious disease that can cause symptoms like a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, and tiredness. Most people recover in a few weeks, but some can get seriously ill, especially if they have weak immune systems or other health problems.
What Causes Mpox?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family. This family also includes smallpox and cowpox. The monkeypox virus is a double-stranded DNA virus that has two main forms or “clades”:
- Clade I: Divided into subclades Ia and Ib
- Clade II: Divided into subclades IIa and IIb
Global Spread of the Virus
In 2022, a global outbreak of clade IIb started and spread to many countries, including those in Africa. Clades Ia and Ib have also been rising, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. In August 2024, clade Ib was found outside Africa for the first time, raising concerns about its spread.
Where Does the Virus Come From?
Scientists are not sure about the exact animal source of the monkeypox virus, but small mammals like squirrels and monkeys are believed to be carriers. These animals may play a role in passing the virus to humans.
In short, while most people recover from mpox, it can still cause serious illness and spread to different parts of the world. Knowing how it spreads and who is most at risk is important to control and prevent future outbreaks.
