AUGUST 15, 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent mpox outbreaks a global health emergency, as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the world. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of cases and the emergence of a new strain of the virus. Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared mpox a public health emergency, reporting over 500 deaths and calling for international assistance to curb the outbreak.
On Wednesday, the WHO raised its alert level for mpox to the highest possible, emphasising that more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been recorded in Africa alone this year; figures that have already surpassed last year’s totals. This marks the second time since 2022 that mpox has been labeled a global health emergency, reflecting the severity of the situation and the potential for the virus to spread to other continents.
Though mpox outbreak has creaed a havoc in over 110 countries is India at risk? Let’s check!
Is Mpox A Threat To India?
Given the WHO’s recent declaration, there are concerns about whether mpox could pose a significant health risk to India. Dr Tushar Tayal, a Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, explains that India’s large population, dense urban areas, and interconnected communities make it particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases like mpox.
“High population density in cities can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, making containment more challenging,” Dr. Tayal said. “The sudden emergence of outbreaks could strain medical resources and health infrastructure, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if multiple regions are affected simultaneously.”
Dr. Tayal also noted that India’s status as a major global travel hub could increase the risk of introducing and spreading mpox within the country. Furthermore, he pointed out that India’s large population of people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions, could make them more susceptible to severe mpox infections due to compromised immune systems.
“There is also a significant disparity in medical infrastructure between urban and rural areas in India, which may pose a challenge in managing an outbreak of the disease,” Dr Tayal added.
As the global situation continues to evolve, it will be crucial for India to remain vigilant and prepared to respond to potential threats posed by the spread of mpox. Public health officials are likely to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect the population from this emerging health threat.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that can affect both humans and animals. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, known for causing illnesses characterized by a rash that includes raised bumps on the skin. These bumps often contain fluid or pus, which eventually crust over and heal.
The virus is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets from an infected individual, as well as by touching contaminated objects. Symptoms of mpox usually appear between three and 21 days after exposure and can last between two to four weeks.
While mpox is generally a self-limiting disease, it can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, respiratory distress, and secondary bacterial infections, which can be fatal. Currently, there are no approved antiviral treatments for mpox.
Courtesy: Times Now / PTI
