Mpox In India: What You Need To Know About Its Spread, Risks, And Differences From COVID-19

India has recently reported its first case of Mpox, also known as monkeypox, caused by the fast-spreading Clade 1B strain. This announcement comes just a month after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a disease of international concern.

The Clade 1B strain is known to be more transmissible and has a higher fatality rate compared to the previously identified Clade II strain.

Background on Mpox Cases in India

The earlier reported case of Mpox involved a 26-year-old resident of Haryana who tested positive for the West African Clade II strain in early September. Since 2022, over 30 cases of Mpox have been identified across India, primarily among individuals with a travel history to African nations where the virus is prevalent, as reported by The Times of India.

The Kerala health department has announced plans to issue revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Mpox. Fortunately, the current patient is stable, and there is no indication of widespread risk to the public at this time.

What is Mpox?

According to the WHO, Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread between individuals primarily through close contact and occasionally from contaminated surfaces or items that have been touched by an infected person.

Who is at Risk?

Individuals who have close contact with someone infected with Mpox are at risk of contracting the virus. Close contact can include skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-skin, and face-to-face interactions.

Symptoms of Mpox

Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash that may last for 2 to 4 weeks, which can start with or be followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash typically presents as blisters or sores, affecting areas such as the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, and genital or anal regions.

How Does Mpox Spread?

Unlike COVID-19, Mpox is not airborne. The primary modes of transmission include:

• Unprotected Close Physical Contact: Mpox primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
• Sexual Contact: This is a significant route of transmission.
• Contaminated Items: The virus can spread through contact with bedding or clothing contaminated by infected fluids.
• Infectious Fluids: Fluids from blisters and scabs can contaminate materials such as bedding and clothing, as well as surfaces.
• Caregiver Exposure: Caregivers can become infected if they do not use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for a patient.

Prevention Tips

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is crucial to prevent transmission through contaminated surfaces or items. It is essential for individuals to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions, especially if they are in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Mpox.

As India continues to monitor the situation, awareness and adherence to health guidelines will be key in managing and preventing further spread of Mpox.