According to the WHO, droplets are one of the main ways of transmitting smallpox. What we know so far
According to the WHO, Mpox has similar symptoms to smallpox, although less severe. (File)
New Delhi:
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that droplets are a “lesser” route of transmission for Mpox compared to physical contact, adding that more research is needed to understand how the virus spreads.
On August 14, the UN health agency declared Mpox an international health emergency as the number of cases skyrocketed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries.
In particular, two different clades of the virus, Ia and Ib, are causing great concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A third variant, clade II, originated in Nigeria and is responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022.
What is Mpox?
The Mpox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes Mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox but less severe, according to the WHO website.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
- Fever
- Extensive characteristic rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Back pain and muscle pain
- Energy deficiency
The incubation period of Mpox can range from 5 to 21 days. The febrile stage of the disease (when fever persists) usually lasts 1 to 3 days, according to the WHO. This is followed by the rash stage, which can last 2 to 4 weeks.
How does Mpox spread?
According to the WHO, Mpox spreads mainly through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. “Close contact includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing),” the statement said.
However, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said today that if a person with the virus has lesions, “there is a possibility” of virus spread “if you are in close contact with someone, breathing on them, being physically close, face to face. But this is a small source.”
“When you talk to someone, you spit out droplets,” but “that’s not a very serious form of transmission – and it’s not … long-distance airborne transmission,” she added.
WHO recommends that MPOX patients, their close contacts and healthcare workers treating them wear face masks.
Is there a vaccine against Mpox?
Yes, there are vaccines against Mpox recommended by the WHO. However, only people at risk should be vaccinated. The WHO does not recommend mass vaccination against Mpox.
How has India prepared for a possible MPOX outbreak?
There are currently no active cases of MPOX in India. The government has instructed authorities at airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to be alert for arriving international passengers displaying MPOX symptoms.
The All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued protocols for dealing with suspected cases of MPOX in India. Various government hospitals have been directed to set up isolation rooms for suspected and confirmed cases of MPOX.
The institute recommends introducing a screening process in the triage area, whereby patients with fever, rash or contact with confirmed MPOX cases are marked for immediate examination upon arrival.
According to an assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, officials said.
(With contributions from AFP)
