New Delhi: Amid the ongoing spread of Mpox across the world, several countries have been put on high alert. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox as a ‘public health emergency of international concern,’ on August 14. The global health body also outlined ways the virus is spreading and most recently, WHO said that droplets were a ‘minor’ route of transmission for mpox as compared to physical contact but more research is needed to figure out how the virus transmits.
The cases of the virus are majorly being reported across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighbouring countries, after the surge in cases, the UN health agency declared mpox a public health emergency international public health concern.
What is Mpox?
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by a virus that can lead to rashes and flu-like symptoms. According to reports, it is similar to the causes of smallpox. It is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
The virus has mainly two distinct clades of the virus, la and lb which are the major reasons behind the cause in the DRC. Some reports also note that there is a third variant, Clade II that originated in Nigeria and has been responsible for the global outbreak that initiated in 2022.
How does Mpox virus spread?
WHO has noted that mpox spreads between people who are in close physical contact with someone who has already contracted the virus. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the virus can be transmitted from person to person when one comes in close contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of a person who’s infected. This happens most commonly via through close, intimate situations like cuddling, kissing or sex. However, still research is under process on how the virus commonly spreads.
Symptoms of Mpox
Fever.
Rash.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Chills.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Fatigue.
The global health body also outlined ways the virus is spreading and most recently, WHO said that droplets were a ‘minor’ route of transmission for mpox as compared to physical contact but more research is needed to figure out how the virus transmits. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
