India Strengthens Defense Against Mpox: What Are the Guidelines and Instructions to Stay Safe?

Understanding Mpox, its symptoms, and effective measures to stay safe.

Mpox Origin

It is a matter of sheer astonishment, even though we are trying to make this world a safe place to live. However, with the emergence of infectious diseases like monkeypox, every effort seems to be in vain. Who knew about two years ago that a viral illness, Mpox (monkeypox), existed? Nevertheless, the disease was first discovered in 1958 during outbreaks among monkeys. Thankfully, the virus was limited to human cases in central and west Africa and mainly connected with infected animals.?

Mpox Growth and Trends

According to the earlier WHO statement, about 99,176 Mpox cases were reported and 208 deaths in 116 nations since 2022. Besides, in 2022, monkeypox, a viral disease, was identified as a sexually transmitted disease, resulting in widespread transmission in over 70 countries.?

The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a constant rise in Mpox cases. Consequently, more than twelve African countries experienced its virulent attack, which has a death rate of 3% as opposed to 0.1% for the less virulent strain. The number of Mpox cases has surged significantly in Africa, with around 1,100 deaths among children, which is 160 per cent, as reported by the Africa Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and a 19% rise in deaths compared to last year, the Mpox has been labelled as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Besides, the spread of Mpox cases outside of Africa, including Europe and the United States, mainly due to:?

• International Travel
• Imported Animals
• Close contact with infected animals or people.?

Additionally, the arrival of the new variant of Mpox discovered in the Congo has taken a toll on people’s health and is experiencing a higher fatality rate. Since it has milder symptoms, detecting this new variant of Mpox becomes difficult. Consequently, the Mpox outbreak in Congo has affected four East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda.?

Mpox signs and symptoms

Mpox, or monkeypox, is a viral disease. The symptoms of Mpox usually appear 7-14 days after exposure. Some common signs and symptoms related to the disease include:?

• Painful skin lesions
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches.?

Mpox is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and between people through close contact.?

According to the WHO, the Mpox symptoms can get severe and cause complications such as:?

• Pneumonia
• Difficulty breathing,?
• Inflammation of the rectum, brain, and heart
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Eye infection that might lead to loss of vision

Nevertheless, individuals with HIV or an immune system with lower defences against infections are at a higher risk of serious symptoms.?

Mpox Prevention and Management

Humans and animals fall prey to Mpox. As far as humans are concerned, the virus enters the body through broken skin or coming into contact with infected persons through touch, kissing, or sexual activity. However, animals experience virus transmission from infected people to pets and may occur through close contact, including hugging, kissing, and sharing beds. Therefore, preventing Mpox involves avoiding contact with infected people and animals.?

7 preventive measures you should take during Mpox:?

1. Good hygiene: It is important to maintain good hygiene.?
2. Wear protective clothes: Cover your mouth with a well-fitting mask. Wear protective clothing, especially in areas with a greater risk of Mpox infection.?
3. Get yourself vaccinated: Getting vaccinated will help stop the virus.?
4. Decrease contact with infected animals/people: Avoid contact with animals or people with mpox.?
5. Practice safe sex: Use condoms and dental dams while having sex. These barriers will help avoid skin-to-skin contact during sex.?
6. Use disinfectants: It is mandatory to clean the touched surfaces with disinfectants to avoid infection frequently.?
7. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is necessary when caring for people or animals infected with the Mpox virus.?

Living with Mpox? 6 Helpful Tips to Take Care of Yourself

If you have pox symptoms, below are some tips to take care of yourself:?

1. Take over-the-counter medicines: You can take over-the-counter medicines to manage pain and fever. There are many antiviral medicines, like tecovirimat, to provide you with much-needed relief. Besides, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help relieve your symptoms.?
2. Stay Hydrated: It is important to maintain hydration for Mpox recovery.?
3. Isolate yourself: It is important to isolate yourself to prevent the virus from spreading further.?
4. Avoid close contact: If you have Mpox, avoid close contact with individuals with a skin rash.?
5. Avoid close contact with animals that are infected with Mpox.?
6. Get vaccinated: Some smallpox vaccines can prevent the pox virus, as they are both caused by related viruses.?

Mpox Worldwide

The number of Mpox cases surpassed that of the previous year. More than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths were reported in 2024. Isn’t that astonishing??

Mpox (monkeypox) in India?

Thankfully, the monkeypox virus strain is circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and more than a dozen African countries and no case has been reported in India.?

According to a recent survey by the Union Health Ministry, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission within the country is low.?

Only 30 Mpox cases have been reported since 2022, with the last case reported in March 2024. That’s great!?

Mpox Outbreak: Let’s assess India’s preparedness for the infection.?

At present, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country, but the Union Health Ministry has directed officials to enhance surveillance measures, which will contribute to the quick detection of Mpox cases.?

While India’s number of reported Mpox cases is only 30 as of date, since the last case was found in March 2024, over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported worldwide.?

5 Crucial Guidelines taken by the Health Ministry of India about Mpox cases include:?

1. The health ministry officials have instructed the hospitals and airport authorities to stay vigilant for international passengers, including those from Bangladesh and Pakistan, who display Mpox symptoms.?
2. Delhi’s renowned hospitals—Lady Hardinge Medical College, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Safdarjung Hospital—have been chosen to isolate, manage, and treat patients with Mpox.?
3. All the state governments in India are directed to identify hospitals with the same facilities.?
4. There are no current cases of Mpox in India. Still, healthcare providers need to run awareness campaigns regarding Mpox symptoms, causes, and the need for prevention and treatment protocols, as emphasized by PM Mishra, a principal secretary to Sh. Narendra Modi.?
5. About 32 laboratories in India are equipped for the early diagnosis of Mpox. However, the health ministry states that new testing laboratories are needed to detect Mpox cases promptly.?

Have you just returned from a country that had Mpox? Is it time to get tested??

If you have just returned from a country that is either identified with Mpox or has less dangerous strains, is getting the Mpox virus bothering you? It is time to get tested! Early diagnosis and timely actions are key to stopping the spread of any pandemic.?

Stay vigilant and never ignore any symptoms. The government has made rules, but complete cooperation from the citizens is required to combat emergency health conditions