With all the talk about health concerns lately, it's easy to feel uneasy whenever a new disease makes headlines. You may have heard about Mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—especially since some cases have emerged in Pakistan. As India’s neighbour, it’s only natural to wonder: Should we be worried? Let’s break it down together in simple, straightforward terms so you know exactly what’s going on and what you can do to stay safe.

What is Mpox (monkeypox), and How Serious is It?

First things first—what exactly is Mpox? Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. However, the good news is that Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox. It can cause various symptoms, but most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks without any serious issues.

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Common Mpox symptoms include:

1. Fever: A high temperature is one of the first signs.
2. Headache and Muscle Aches: These are common and can be quite uncomfortable.
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike chickenpox, Mpox causes swelling in the lymph nodes.
4. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and worn out is typical.
5. Rash: This is the hallmark of Mpox. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. It begins as flat red spots and evolves into blisters filled with fluid before scabbing over.

Most cases of Mpox are mild, but it can be more serious in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Complications, though rare, can include secondary infections, pneumonia, or even eye problems if the virus spreads to the eyes.

How does Mpox spread and what are the reasons for its outbreak?

Understanding how Mpox spreads can help you protect yourself and those around you. Mpox is not like COVID-19, which spreads easily through the air. Instead, it spreads mainly through close contact.

Here’s how it can spread:

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: If you touch someone’s rash, blisters, or body fluids, you could catch the virus.
2. Face-to-Face Contact: Mpox can spread through respiratory droplets, but this usually requires prolonged, close interaction, like living with someone or through intimate contact.
3. Contaminated Items: You can also catch Mpox by touching clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by someone with the virus.
4. Animal Contact: While less common in our region, Mpox can also spread from animals, particularly if you’re in contact with an infected animal’s blood or bites.

Unlike COVID-19, Mpox doesn’t spread easily through casual contact or over long distances in the air. This means everyday activities like shopping, commuting, or going to the park carry very low risk.

What is the current global situation on the Mpox virus outbreak?

Mpox outbreak was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 due to its rapid spread across multiple continents. The ongoing outbreak has affected over 120 countries, with more than 100,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported as of August 2024.

The outbreak has been particularly severe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where over 96% of the world's Mpox cases have been reported this year. The virus has caused more than 500 deaths, mostly in the DRC. The situation is complicated by the presence of a new variant of the virus, known as clade 1b, which is more transmissible than previous strains.

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Mpox spread in Europe and Other Regions

Although Mpox has spread to many countries, including Sweden and Thailand, experts believe that the risk of a widespread outbreak in Europe and other regions is low. This is because Mpox spreads more slowly and requires close contact, unlike COVID-19.

Mpox outbreaks in Africa and Global concerns

The ongoing Mpox outbreaks in Africa, particularly in the DRC, are a significant concern for global health. The new clade 1b variant is spreading rapidly in the region, leading to a high number of cases and deaths. Despite the WHO declaring Mpox a global emergency in 2022, Africa has received very few vaccines and treatments.

This lack of resources highlights a major challenge in global health: the inequitable distribution of vaccines and treatments. While wealthier countries have access to vaccines and can effectively control the virus, poorer regions like the DRC are struggling to manage the outbreak. There is an urgent need for international support to help these regions contain the virus and prevent it from spreading further.

Mpox Cases in Pakistan: What’s the Situation?

As of October 2023, Pakistan has reported around 500 confirmed cases of Mpox. The government is actively working to contain the spread by ramping up testing, isolating cases, and raising public awareness.

Most of these cases are in urban areas, and authorities are focusing on tracking down and isolating those who have been in contact with infected individuals. This helps prevent the virus from spreading further.

Given that Pakistan is our neighbour, it’s natural to be a bit concerned. However, it’s important to note that the virus hasn’t spread widely in India, thanks to the proactive measures being taken.

Should We in India Be Worried of Mpox virus?

It’s understandable to feel a little anxious knowing that Mpox is so close to home, but here’s why you shouldn’t panic:

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1. Strong monitoring: Indian health authorities are on high alert, especially at airports and borders. Travelers coming from affected areas are being thoroughly screened.
2. Preparedness: India has experience dealing with various infectious diseases and is well-equipped to handle potential Mpox cases. Hospitals are ready, and protocols are in place to treat and isolate anyone who might get sick.
3. Low risk of spread: Mpox doesn’t spread as easily as some other viruses, making a large-scale outbreak less likely.
4. Public awareness: With accurate information widely available, people are more aware of the disease and how to prevent it, which helps keep the virus in check.

While the situation is being closely monitored, the risk of a major outbreak in India remains low. However, staying informed and following basic precautions is always a good idea.

Spotting Mpox Symptoms: What to Watch For

The earlier you detect Mpox, the easier it is to manage and prevent spreading it to others. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

1. Fever and chills: These often appear first, within 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
2. Headaches and muscle pain: You might feel generally unwell, with aches and pains.
3. Swollen lymph nodes: If your lymph nodes (like those in your neck or armpits) are swollen, it’s a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
4. Rash: The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. It progresses from flat spots to raised bumps, which eventually fill with fluid and then scab over.

If you or someone you know starts showing these symptoms—especially if they’ve travelled recently or been in contact with someone from an affected area—see a healthcare provider right away. Early detection can help prevent further spread and make recovery quicker.

How to protect yourself and others from Mpox?

Taking some simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of getting or spreading Mpox.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after being around others.
2. Avoid close contact: Stay away from people who are sick or have a rash. If you’re caring for someone with Mpox, use gloves and a mask.
3. Handle items carefully: If someone in your home is sick, don’t share their bedding, towels, or clothing, and wash these items separately.
4. Be cautious with animals: Avoid contact with wild animals, and if you handle animals, make sure to follow hygiene practices.
5. Stay informed: Keep up to date with reliable information from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) or India’s Ministry of Health.
6. Self-isolate if sick: If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice. This helps prevent the virus from spreading to those around you.

What’s Being Done to Control Mpox?

Globally and locally, there are several measures in place to control the spread of Mpox.

Vaccination and treatment:

Vaccines: Vaccines originally developed for smallpox are effective against Mpox. Efforts are underway to distribute these vaccines where needed, especially for high-risk groups.

Treatment: While no specific cure for Mpox, antiviral treatments are available to help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Supportive care, like staying hydrated and managing pain, is crucial.

Public Health Measures:

1. Awareness campaigns: Governments and health organizations are working hard to educate the public about Mpox and how to prevent it.
2. Screening and surveillance: Increased screening at borders and close monitoring of potential cases help catch and contain the virus early.
3. International cooperation: Countries are sharing information and resources to better understand and fight the virus.

Final Thoughts: Stay Calm and Informed

Hearing about Mpox cases around the globe might be worrying, but remember that the situation is under control, and the risk to the general public in India is low.

By staying informed, practising good hygiene, and following the advice of health authorities, you can help protect yourself and those around you from Mpox.

The key to tackling health issues is knowledge and caution, not panic. Share accurate information with your family and friends, and stay connected for updates.

If you have more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Stay safe, take care, and let’s keep each other informed and supported!

FAQs on Mpox and its outbreak

1. What is Mpox 2024?

Mpox is a viral infection transmitted by close contact, especially sexual contact. It causes symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever, chills, and muscular aches, as well as pus-filled lesions.

2. Is Mpox a new disease? 

No, Mpox is not a new disease. Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) was discovered in 1958. Mpox is endemic (often encountered) in regions of West and Central Africa.​

Since 2022, there has been an outbreak of Mpox in areas where it was not before detected. This encompasses Europe, Canada, and the United States, including California.

3. Can animals and pets catch Mpox?

Mpox has been known to infect a variety of mammals in western and central Africa, where the virus is prevalent. People can contract Mpox by direct contact with diseased animals, which typically occurs while hunting, trapping, cooking, or eating wild animal meat (bushmeat). A 2003 outbreak in the United States was linked to pet prairie dogs that had been housed in cages with other Mpox-positive imported animals.

4. What steps has the Indian government taken to combat Mpox conditions?

India has created its own indigenous RT-PCR testing kit to combat Mpox, which has been authorized by the Central Protection Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Siemens Healthineers' IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay has been approved for production by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This is a big accomplishment for our "Make in India" project and a necessary step forward in the fight against the Monkeypox public health catastrophe.

5. Are monkeys the source of Mpox?

Firstly, monkeys are not the source of monkeypox. Although it was first isolated from a monkey, the disease is primarily seen in rodents, including dormice, rope squirrels, tree squirrels, and Gambian pouched rats. This is why it is dubbed monkeypox.

When sick monkeys were sent from Singapore to a Danish research center in 1958, the Mpox virus was first discovered and named. In 1970, a youngster in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was suspected of having smallpox disease was identified as the first proven human case of this illness.