New Delhi: A first-ever case of mpox has been reported outside of Africa and this comes only hours after the World Health Organisation declared the deadly virus strain a public health emergency after it rapidly reached 13 countries. It was also found that the person who was diagnosed with mpox had been infected during a stay in Africa, the continent which has been battling the outbreak. So far, the disease has claimed 500 lives and infected 13700 people during the first outbreak in DRC. Earlier known as mpox, the infection not only spreads rapidly but is also potentially deadly.
Mpox strains discovered earlier
Mpox is spread through close contact like skin-to-skin while talking or while breathing too close to the patient or through sex. There are two types of infection – clade 1 and clade 2. Earlier, in 2022, it was declared a public health emergency and was caused by mild clade 2. However, at present, it is a far deadlier clade 1 variant which is spreading. The fatality rate is about 5% in adults and 10% in children as compared to 3% in the previous strain.
In April, scientists discovered a new, easier-to-contract strain of mpox, known as clade 1b in Kamituga and it was said to possess pandemic potential. Earlier in July, 90 cases of the same were reported in four neighbouring countries that did not report the infection earlier – Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda. Hence, WHO termed it a “public health emergency of international concern” to encourage countries to start preparing for the virus. This could also make way for the sharing of treatment and vaccines with poorer countries.
What is mpox?
Monkeypox or mpox is a viral infection that leads to pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. Only a few years ago, most of the cases of the same were reported in West and Central Africa. However, in 2022, it was termed a public health emergency when Clade 2 strain triggered a global outbreak that reached 100 countries. It was brought under control by vaccinating high-risk people.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
The symptoms of mpox are:
Muscle pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rashes
Mucosal lesions
Fever
Headaches
Low energy
Back pain
Mpox is spread through close contact like skin-to-skin while talking or while breathing too close to the patient or through sex. There are two types of infection – clade 1 and clade 2. Earlier, in 2022, it was declared a public health emergency and was caused by mild clade 2. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
