What is Mpox Virus And What Should People Know About The First Case Of Mpox in India?

What is Mpox And What Should People Know About The First Case Of Mpox in India?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It belongs to the Orth poxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, the same family as the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Although the symptoms of Mpox Virus are similar to smallpox, Mpox Virus is generally less severe. Historically, the disease was limited to remote regions of Central and West Africa, but in recent years, it has emerged in non-endemic countries, causing global concern.

The recent detection of Mpox in India marks its first known case in the country, raising questions about the virus, its spread, prevention, and how people can protect themselves.

Historical Background of Mpox

Mpox Virus was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name “monkeypox.” The first human case of Mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country where the virus remains endemic. Since then, cases have been reported across several African countries, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

For decades, Mpox remained a relatively localized disease, with sporadic human infections. However, in the 21st century, the disease spread beyond its endemic regions, resulting in multiple outbreaks in non-endemic countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. In 2022, a global outbreak of Mpox occurred, with thousands of cases reported across different continents.

The Monkeypox Virus and Its Variants

The Mpox virus exists in two distinct genetic clades: the Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade. The Congo Basin clade is known to cause more severe disease and has a higher fatality rate compared to the West African clade. However, both clades are transmissible to humans and can cause illness.

The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates, or through contaminated materials like animal fluids, blood, or lesions. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through respiratory droplets, close physical contact, or contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms are similar to those of smallpox but tend to be milder. After a person is exposed to the virus, there is an incubation period of 6 to 13 days, although it can vary from 5 to 21 days. The disease usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, and symptoms progress through several stages.

1. Initial Symptoms

The early symptoms of Mpox Virus resemble flu-like illnesses and may include:

• Fever: A high fever is often the first sign of the disease, signaling the body’s response to the virus.
• Headache: Severe headaches are commonly reported by patients.
• Muscle Aches: Body and muscle pains (myalgia) are another early symptom.
• Fatigue: Patients often experience extreme tiredness and weakness.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike other poxvirus infections, Mpox typically causes noticeable lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), particularly in the neck, underarms, and groin. This is a key symptom that helps distinguish Mpox from smallpox.

2. Rash and Skin Lesions

After the initial flu-like symptoms, a rash appears within 1 to 3 days of the fever. The rash typically starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, chest, and genitals. The rash progresses through the following stages:

• Macules: These are flat, discolored spots on the skin.
• Papules: Raised bumps begin to form on the macules.
• Vesicles: The bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters.
• Pustules: The blisters become filled with pus.
• Crusts: Finally, the lesions dry up, form crusts, and eventually fall off.

The lesions may cause discomfort, itching, and sometimes scarring. In most cases, the rash and lesions resolve without complications, but in severe cases, they can cause secondary infections, sepsis, or eye complications.

Transmission of Mpox

Mpox Virus is not as easily transmitted as diseases like COVID-19 or influenza. However, it can spread through several routes:

1. Animal-to-Human Transmission

The primary mode of transmission in endemic areas is through direct contact with infected animals. Rodents, such as rats and squirrels, are known reservoirs of the virus, and humans can contract the virus by handling or consuming infected animals. Animal bites or scratches, exposure to body fluids, or contact with contaminated materials (such as bedding or food) can also lead to infection.

2. Human-to-Human Transmission

Mpox can be transmitted from person to person, although this is less common than animal-to-human transmission. Human-to-human transmission occurs through:

• Close Contact: Direct physical contact with an infected person’s rash, lesions, or bodily fluids.
• Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face contact can lead to the spread of respiratory droplets from an infected person.
• Contaminated Materials: Bedding, clothing, or other materials that have come into contact with an infected person’s rash or fluids can also harbor the virus.
• Sexual Contact: Although not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), Mpox can spread during intimate or sexual contact through direct contact with lesions or respiratory droplets.

Prevention of Mpox

Preventing Mpox requires a combination of personal hygiene, awareness, and public health interventions. Since the disease spreads through close contact, avoiding interaction with infected individuals and animals is crucial. Below are key preventive measures:

1. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals

In areas where Mpox is endemic, avoiding contact with animals that may harbor the virus, such as rodents and primates, is essential. Infected animals should be isolated, and their contaminated bedding or materials should be properly disposed of.

2. Isolate Infected Individuals

Infected individuals should be isolated to prevent spreading the virus to others. Health authorities recommend that anyone diagnosed with Mpox Virus avoid close contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.

3. Practice Good Hygiene

Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can reduce the risk of infection. It is particularly important to wash hands after coming into contact with potentially infected individuals or animals.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Healthcare workers or caregivers who are in close contact with Mpox patients should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and eye protection, to reduce the risk of transmission.

5. Safe Animal Practices

In endemic regions, it is important to handle animals with care. People should avoid hunting, eating, or handling wild animals that may be infected, and food should be cooked thoroughly to kill any potential pathogens.

Vaccination for Mpox

While there is no specific vaccine developed solely for Mpox, vaccines created for smallpox have been shown to be effective in preventing Mpox Virus infection. This is due to the genetic similarity between the Mpox virus and the smallpox virus.

1. Smallpox Vaccines

The smallpox vaccine, known as ACAM2000, has been found to provide around 85% protection against Mpox Virus. ACAM2000 is a live, attenuated vaccine and is recommended for people at high risk of Mpox infection, such as healthcare workers or individuals who have been in contact with infected patients. However, this vaccine is not without risks and may cause adverse effects in people with certain health conditions.

2. Jynneos Vaccine

Another vaccine, called Jynneos (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex), is a newer, non-replicating smallpox vaccine that has been approved for use against Mpox Virus in some countries. It is considered safer than the traditional smallpox vaccine and can be used in individuals with weakened immune systems or skin conditions like eczema.

Treatment for Mpox

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for Mpox Virus. Most patients recover from the disease on their own within a few weeks, with symptoms resolving without the need for medical intervention. However, supportive care and symptomatic treatment can help ease discomfort and prevent complications.

1. Supportive Care

Rest, hydration, and medications to manage fever and pain are generally recommended for patients with mild Mpox Virus symptoms. Antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itching and discomfort from the rash and lesions.

2. Antiviral Medications

In more severe cases, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox, such as tecovirimat, may be considered for treating Mpox. Tecovirimat inhibits the virus from replicating and can reduce the severity of symptoms. This drug is typically used for patients with weakened immune systems or those at risk of severe disease.

Mpox vs. Smallpox

Although Mpox Virus and smallpox share similarities, such as the characteristic rash and pox lesions, there are important differences between the two diseases:

• Transmission: Mpox is less contagious than smallpox and typically requires prolonged close contact for transmission.
• Severity: Smallpox was more severe, with a higher fatality rate. Mpox Virus has a lower mortality rate, especially with the West African clade, and tends to cause milder illness.
• Vaccine Availability: Smallpox vaccines are effective against Mpox, but global vaccination campaigns for smallpox have ceased since the eradication of the disease in 1980, leaving younger populations potentially vulnerable to Mpox. Just as we know What are the Models of BMW?

Conclusion

Mpox, though less severe than smallpox, remains a significant public health concern, particularly as it spreads to non-endemic countries like India. Awareness of the disease, its symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures is crucial to controlling its spread. While vaccines and supportive treatments are available, vigilance and good hygiene practices remain the best defenses against Mpox Virus.

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