The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the multi-country outbreak of Mpox a public health emergency, raising concerns worldwide. Given the ongoing fear from the COVID-19 pandemic and the alarming headlines surrounding Mpox, it is important to understand the facts about this disease. To address these concerns, we’ve gathered key information from trusted sources such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), CDC, WHO, and insights from medical professionals. Here we answer the most common questions about Mpox and provide essential details to help you stay informed and protected.
Mpox: Where It Comes From and How It Spreads Globally?
- Mpox, previously referred to as Monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus.
- It is primarily found in forested areas of West, Central, and East Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- Interestingly, despite its name, the virus’s natural hosts are rodents like rope squirrels and tree squirrels, not monkeys.
- Mpox has two main types, known as clade I and clade II, which are similar to how we see variants in COVID-19.
Is Mpox (Monkeypox) a New Virus?
Mpox, originally called monkeypox, is not a new virus.
- It was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research, which led to its name.
- The first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- However, a significant rise in Mpox cases across the world in 2022 has sparked fresh concern and increased awareness of this virus.
How Can You Identify the Symptoms?
The Mpox virus presents several noticeable symptoms, with the most distinctive being a rash that evolves over time. Before or along with the rash, other symptoms can appear, which include:
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- swollen lymph nodes
The rash may start as flat spots, eventually turning into raised bumps that become fluid-filled and later crust over. These symptoms often help in identifying the virus early on.
How Can You Identify a Mpox Rash?
The Mpox rash can appear on various parts of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, face, mouth, throat, groin, and genital areas, as well as the anus.
Initially, the rash looks like flat spots, which gradually turn into raised bumps.
These bumps may then develop into fluid-filled blisters, and eventually, these blisters turn into white or yellow pus-filled sores.
In the current outbreak, some patients have noticed their skin lesions appearing in different stages or only in one area of the body, rather than following the usual progression.
Note: If you experience any symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed Mpox case, it’s important to seek medical attention from your nearest healthcare facility right away.
Is Mpox a Serious Health Threat?
Mpox, while often mild and self-limiting, can sometimes pose serious health risks. While anyone can get this virus, some individuals may be at greater risk. This includes:
- infants under 1 year old
- children with eczema or immune system issues
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
Note: In particular, contracting Mpox during pregnancy can result in significant complications such as stillbirth, pregnancy loss, or severe health issues for the newborn.
Is Mpox a Concern in India? Can It Spread as Rapidly as COVID-19?
Mpox in India is not currently considered a major threat, and the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low. However, it’s crucial to stay informed and take preventive measures to reduce potential spread.
- On 9th September 2024, India reported its first suspected case of Mpox.
- The virus is much harder to transmit compared to COVID-19.
- Unlike COVID-19, which can spread through aerosols and infect people in the same room, Mpox requires direct physical contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces.
What are the Ways Mpox Spreads and How Contagious is It?
Mpox primarily spreads from one person to another through close physical contact, especially by touching the rash or skin sores of an infected individual.
- It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated items like bedding, clothes, or towels.
- Additionally, prolonged face-to-face contact that involves large respiratory droplets or sexual contact can lead to the spread of the virus.
Each Mpox-infected individual is likely to infect one other individual on average, which shows limited but possible human-to-human spread. The basic reproduction number (R0) is estimated to be between 0.57 to a maximum of 1.25.
Mpox Testing: How It’s Done?
- Detecting Mpox can be tricky due to its similarity to other conditions.
- The most reliable test is a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which identifies viral DNA from samples taken from the rash, such as skin, fluid, or crusts. These samples are collected by swabbing the affected areas.
- Antibody tests are less useful because they can’t distinguish between various orthopoxviruses.
In India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR) have set up 35 labs across the country for testing suspected Mpox cases.
How is Mpox Treated?
Currently, no approved antiviral medication exists specifically for Mpox. However, supportive care can greatly aid in recovery by managing symptoms and improving comfort. Key steps include:
- Rest well to support healing.
- Take fever and pain relief meds like paracetamol.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid close contact with people and pets to prevent spreading the virus.
In severe cases, antiviral medications may be considered. Symptoms usually last 2–4 weeks, but recovery might take longer for those with weaker immune systems. This straightforward approach helps manage Mpox symptoms and promotes a faster recovery.
Rash Care at Home:
- Avoid scratching to prevent further irritation.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the rash to avoid spreading germs.
- Keep the rash dry and exposed for quicker healing.
- Gently clean the rash with water or an antiseptic solution.
- Rinse mouth rashes with saltwater to soothe discomfort.
- Try warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for relief.
How to Stay Safe from Mpox?
- To stay safe from Mpox, practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Carry hand sanitizers for added protection.
- If you’re traveling to areas with Mpox outbreaks or have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case, consult a healthcare provider to assess your risk.
- Avoid misinformation; get your Mpox facts from reliable sources.
Is Mpox the Same as Smallpox or Chickenpox?
- Unlike chickenpox, where the rash appears in stages, the Mpox rash usually shows up all at once.
- While the symptoms can resemble smallpox, Mpox is generally milder, less contagious, and less fatal than smallpox.
Does Mpox Have a Vaccine?
Yes, a Mpox vaccine is available and plays a key role in preventing its spread. The need for the Mpox vaccine in India will be determined by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and experts. It helps protect against severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. While the smallpox vaccine offers some protection, it’s not complete. Those born when smallpox vaccination was routine might have better antibody levels that could partially protect against Mpox.
Reference:
https://x.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1825939847787266381
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10107822/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2024.2387442
