According to the WHO, the symptoms of Mpox are similar to those of smallpox, although less pronounced. (Archive)
New Delhi:
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that the airborne route of transmission of the mpox virus was “secondary” to physical contact, adding that more research was needed to understand how the virus spreads.
On August 14, the UN health agency declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern amid a sharp rise in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.
Primarily, two distinct clades of the virus, Ia and Ib, are causing significant concern in the DRC. A third variant, Clade II, originated in Nigeria and was responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022.
What is Mpox?
The mpox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox but less severe, according to the WHO website.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
- High temperature
- Extensive characteristic rash
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Headache
- Back pain and muscle pain
- Lack of energy
The incubation period for mpox can range from 5 to 21 days. The febrile stage of the disease (when the fever persists) usually lasts 1 to 3 days, according to WHO. This is followed by the skin rash stage, which can last 2 to 4 weeks.
How is Mpox distributed?
The WHO said mpox is spread between people primarily through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. “Close contact includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing),” it said.
However, today WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that if a person infected with the virus has lesions, “if you have close contact with someone, breathe on them, are physically close, face to face, there is a possibility” of spreading the virus, “but it is a small source.”
“When you talk to someone, you spit out droplets,” but “it's not a very serious form of transmission – and it's not… long-range airborne transmission,” she added.
WHO recommends the use of protective masks for people with MPOX, their close contacts, and health care workers providing care to them.
Is there a vaccine for mpox?
Yes, there are vaccines recommended by WHO for use against mpox. However, the vaccine should only be given to those at risk. WHO has not recommended mass vaccination against mpox.
How has India prepared for a possible ISS outbreak?
There are currently no active cases of mpox in India. The government has ordered authorities at airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain vigilant for incoming international passengers showing symptoms of mpox.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued protocols for handling suspected cases of mpox in India. Various government hospitals have been instructed to set up isolation wards for suspected and confirmed cases of mpox.
The Institute recommended establishing a screening process in the triage area, whereby upon arrival, patients with fever, rash, or history of contact with confirmed MPOX cases should be flagged for immediate assessment.
Officials said the assessment showed the risk of a major outbreak with sustained transmission of the disease was low.
(With support from AFP)