As global concerns rise over mpox, many countries, including India, are on high alert to prevent a widespread outbreak. Governments and health authorities are actively preparing to control any potential surge. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared mpox a pandemic, it did label the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, under the International Health Regulations (2005). This highlights the severity of the situation, though it has not yet reached the alarming scale of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mpox first emerged in 2022 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the current outbreak driven by Clade 1, a more severe strain of the virus. This variant spreads through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. A new strain, Clade 1b, has recently surfaced in Africa and is now spreading to Asia and Europe. The virus's expansion has led to heightened concern across continents, prompting swift preventive measures.
Symptoms of mpox typically appear within a week of exposure but can take up to 21 days to manifest. They include fever, muscle and body aches, headaches, and the formation of vesicular lesions that start on the face and spread to the rest of the body. Additional signs include swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms generally last between two to four weeks, though they may persist longer in immunocompromised individuals.
Vaccination remains a key strategy in combating mpox. Authorities are emphasizing the need for active immunization programs, especially for those exposed to the virus, and are pushing for awareness campaigns that promote contact tracing to halt the virus's spread. These preventive measures are crucial in curbing further outbreaks and preventing the disease from becoming uncontrollable.
While most individuals recover fully from mpox, severe cases can occur, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. Health experts continue to stress the importance of vigilance, vaccination, and prompt action to prevent mpox from escalating into a global pandemic.
