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Mpox virus: Know about the outbreak and its significance for India

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the same family as smallpox. The World Health Organization has classified it as Public health emergency of international concern, receives the status for the second time following outbreaks in July 2022 and May 2023. According to the WHO, about 99,000 cases and 200 deaths have been reported in 116 countries since 2022. The decision was put on high alert after an increased number of cases were reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring countries.

Outbreak of smallpox virus in the African region, WHO declares it a public emergency. (Shutterstock)

What are the symptoms and how is Mpox transmitted?

Fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, lack of energy, swollen lymph nodes and pox-like rashes are some of the most common symptoms of Mpox, which can appear 1-21 days after infection. Symptoms can last for two to three weeks. Although it is a self-limiting virus, it is fatal to children and people with weakened immune systems. Mpox is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals. Using contaminated items such as clothing can also lead to fatal infections.

The current spread of MPXV is due to a new variant Clade Ibwhich originate from Clade I, which is transmitted through sexual contact. There are two types of MPXV: Clade I and Clade II, with Clade I being more lethal and occurring in the African CongoMore than 100 cases of clade Ib have been reported in the four countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The death toll has risen to over 500 and around 15,000 cases have been reported in 2024 alone.

What does this mean for India?

The first case outside the African continent was reported in Sweden, and given the ongoing international travel, the disease is likely to reach the continents as well. During the 2022 outbreak, India initially saw several cases of Mpox of the less lethal clade II originating from Kerala. However, in the Delhi national capital region, people with no foreign travel history had also fallen victim to this disease. According to the WHO, several laboratories confirmed cases and at least one death in India.

Tamil Nadu's health director has instructed its health authorities to conduct strict checks on people returning to India from the virus-hit African region. Although no cases have been reported so far, the state has taken preventive measures to avoid any risks. The cities of Hyderabad and New Delhi are also on high alert as many African students study there.

What about vaccines against Mpox?

WHO is working with various countries and vaccine manufacturers on vaccine development to ensure access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other resources. Two vaccines are currently in use against Mpox, recommended by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group on Immunization.

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