Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has recently emerged as a significant public health concern in India, with reports of cases reaching even the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region, taking the total number of affected individuals in the country to four. This outbreak has prompted authorities to enhance their surveillance and response measures. Concerning the outbreak, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to ensure stringent vigilance at entry points to prevent the infection from entering India. Health authorities are on high alert, enhancing surveillance, contact tracing, and public health advisories to effectively manage and contain the outbreak. Moreover, on August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency which raised concern whether it will trigger next global pandemic or not. Before this, mpox virus had been largely contained within the central African country of Congo, which accounted for over 96 per cent of all cases. However, the Health Ministry official has stated that the risk of large mpox protection in low in India for now. We at LatestLY have curated a detail about mpox, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox. Originally identified in monkeys, the virus can infect humans and cause a disease that shares similarities with smallpox, though it is generally less severe. WHO and other health organisations now refer to the disease as mpox to avoid stigma associated with the term monkeypox.

Mpox Causes

Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, particularly rodents and primates. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets of an infected person. It can also spread through contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.

Mpox Symptoms

The symptoms of mpox can vary, but they typically include:

Fever: Often the initial symptom, similar to many other viral infections.

Rash: A characteristic rash usually develops a few days after the fever. It often starts as flat spots and progresses to raised bumps that eventually form sma;; blisters and scabs.

Headache and Muscle Aches: These symptoms are common and can accompany the fever.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike smallpox, mpox commonly causes swelling of lymph nodes, which can help in distinguishing it from other similar illnesses.

Fatigue and Chills: General malaise and discomfort are also reported.

The incubation period for mpox is typically 7-14 days, and the illness can last from a few weeks to over a month.

Mpox Treatment

There is no specific treatment for mpox, and management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Key approaches include:

Supportive Care: Patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications for fever and pain.

Isolation: Infected individuals should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Antiviral Medications: While there are no specific antiviral treatments approved for mpox, some antiviral drugs used for smallpox might be effective. Research is ongoing to identify more targeted treatments.

Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some level of protection against mpox. In certain cases, vaccination may be recommended for close contacts of infected individuals.

Mpox, though generally less severe than smallpox, presents significant health concerns due to its potential for spread and impact on communities. Understanding its causes, recognising symptoms, and adhering to treatment protocols are crucial for managing the disease. Continued monitoring and public health interventions will play a key role in controlling the current outbreak and preventing future cases.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2024 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).