MONKEYPOX
1. Context
On August 14 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries as a “global health emergency”. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the declaration on the advice of an International Health Regulations (IHR) emergency committee. The WHO had regraded the mpox outbreak to an “acute” grade 3 emergency, according to a report published on August 12. The outbreak, which first started in 2022, has continued unabated with a recent surge in cases reported from around the world
2. What is mpox?
- Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an uncommon zoonotic disease (a disease transmitted from animals to humans) caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.
- This family of viruses also includes those responsible for diseases like smallpox and cowpox.
- The mpox virus spreads to humans through physical contact with an infected person, such as through direct exposure to infected blood, bodily fluids, or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
- Additionally, mpox can be transmitted via contact with contaminated objects, bites or scratches from infected animals, or through activities like hunting, handling, or consuming infected animals.
- There are currently two genetic groups, or clades, of mpox: clade I, primarily found in central and eastern Africa, and clade II, which is associated with more cases in western Africa.
- Although the exact source of mpox is still unclear, small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are believed to be potential carriers
3. Symptoms
- In humans, the mpox virus typically manifests as rashes, which can progress into fluid-filled blisters that may be itchy or painful. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Individuals who are infectious can transmit the virus to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
- Symptoms of mpox generally appear within a week of infection but can start anywhere from 1 to 21 days after exposure.
- The symptoms usually last between 2 to 4 weeks. While most people experience milder symptoms, some may develop more severe illness and require medical care.
- Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of contracting the virus
4. Treatment
- At present, there is no specific treatment for mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests supportive care, such as using medication to manage pain or fever when necessary, but symptoms generally resolve on their own.
- Individuals with mpox are encouraged to stay hydrated, eat well, get sufficient rest, avoid scratching their skin, and care for their rash by cleaning their hands before and after touching lesions, keeping the affected skin dry, and leaving it uncovered.
- An antiviral called tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, was approved by the European Medicines Agency in January 2022 for treating mpox under exceptional circumstances, though experience with its use is limited.
- Three vaccines — MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac — initially developed for smallpox, are also approved for preventing mpox. However, vaccination is recommended only for individuals at risk, and WHO does not advise mass vaccination against mpox
5. Current Outbreak
- Mpox infections have been reported closer to home, with Pakistan confirming three cases, as announced by the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on August 16. Additionally, Sweden recently reported the first case of the clade I variant of mpox outside Africa.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been recorded this year, with the outbreak impacting 116 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries have been the hardest hit. In June 2024, 19% of reported cases were in the Americas, while 11% were in Europe.
- The WHO has elevated the global mpox outbreak to an acute grade 3 emergency, the highest level under the WHO Emergency Response Framework. A grade 3 emergency demands a significant to maximum response from the WHO.
- A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is declared for extraordinary events involving the international spread of disease, potentially necessitating a coordinated global response.
- The PHEIC, the highest alert level issued by the WHO, aims to mobilize immediate international action to prevent the event from escalating into a pandemic
6. Difference between Smallpox, monkeypox, chickenpox
| Characteristic | Smallpox | Chickenpox | Mpox |
| Causative Virus | Variola virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) | Varicella-zoster virus (Herpesvirus family) | Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) |
| Mode of Transmission | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, airborne particles | Direct contact with infected animals or humans, contaminated materials |
| Incubation Period | 7-17 days | 10-21 days | 1-21 days |
| Initial Symptoms | High fever, fatigue, severe headache, back pain | Mild fever, fatigue, headache, body aches | Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes |
| Rash Progression | Begins on face and spreads; lesions progress uniformly | Starts on face/trunk, spreads; lesions at different stages | Begins on face and extremities; lesions progress uniformly |
| Lesion Characteristics | Deep, firm, round vesicles; develop into pustules | Superficial, itchy blisters | Fluid-filled blisters; can be itchy or painful |
| Severity | Often severe, high mortality rate (up to 30%) | Generally mild, can be severe in adults | Typically mild to moderate, can be severe in vulnerable populations |
| Complications | Scarring, blindness, arthritis, death | Bacterial infections, pneumonia, encephalitis | Pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, death (rare) |
| Vaccine Availability | Yes, smallpox vaccine (eradicated globally) | Yes, Varicella vaccine | Yes, smallpox vaccines (MVA-BN, LC16, OrthopoxVac) for prevention |
| Global Status | Eradicated (last case in 1977) | Common worldwide | Endemic in some regions, outbreaks reported globally |
| Treatment | No specific treatment; supportive care, antiviral (Tecovirimat) for severe cases | Antivirals (Acyclovir), supportive care | Supportive care, Tecovirimat under special circumstances |
7. Way Forward
The recent surge in mpox cases worldwide, including in regions previously unaffected, underscores the urgent need for global vigilance and coordinated public health efforts. The WHO's classification of the outbreak as a grade 3 emergency and the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern highlight the severity of the situation. While cases have been reported in various countries, with significant impacts in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the spread to other areas, such as Pakistan and Sweden, signals that mpox remains a global health challenge. It is crucial for governments, healthcare providers, and the public to continue monitoring the situation, promote preventive measures, and ensure preparedness to mitigate the potential for further spread and escalation
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: GS III - Science & technology
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Previous Year Questions
1.The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC CSE 2021) (a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants (b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system (c) radio collars for wildlife tracking (d) spread of viral diseases Answer (d) 1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Answer (b) Mains 1.Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (2020) |
Source: The Hindu
