First suspected Mpox case reported in India: symptoms, prevention, transmission, WHO vaccination criteria

The patient, a young man who recently traveled from a country currently facing a crisis, Mpox infection According to the Indian Ministry of Health, the patient has been identified as a suspected case. The patient has been isolated at a designated hospital and is currently in stable condition. Medical experts are conducting tests to confirm the presence of the Mpox virus. The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that there is no need for undue concern.

“Samples taken from the patient are being tested and confirm the presence of Mpox. The case is being managed as per laid down protocols and contact tracing is being actively undertaken to identify the potential source of infection and assess its impact in the country,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.The development is in line with a risk assessment earlier conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and there is no reason for undue concern, the Ministry assured.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It has become a concern due to recent global outbreaks, especially the clade IIb strain identified in 2022. The disease spreads primarily from person to person through close contact, but can also spread from contaminated surfaces and objects. In some environments, the virus can be transmitted to humans from infected wild animals, especially in areas where the virus circulates among wildlife.

Signs and Symptoms of Mpox

According to the WHO, symptoms of Mpox can range from mild to severe. Many patients develop a rash that usually lasts for 2-4 weeks. The rash may be accompanied by fever, muscle and back pain, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash resembles blisters or ulcers and may appear on the face, hands, feet, and genitals. It may also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and eyes. In severe cases, the rectum (proctitis) or genitals may become inflamed, causing severe pain and difficulty urinating.

According to the WHO, most cases resolve spontaneously with supportive care, but certain populations are at higher risk of severe illness. These groups include newborns, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV infection. Severe illness can lead to more widespread disease, secondary bacterial infections, or complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, and other life-threatening conditions.

Mortality and risk factors

Mpox is generally a self-limited disease, but the mortality rate of the disease varies depending on several factors. According to WHO data, the mortality rate ranges from 0.1% to 10%, with higher mortality rates in areas with limited access to healthcare and higher numbers of immunosuppressed people. People with undiagnosed or untreated HIV infection are at higher risk of severe outcomes, including death.

How does Mpox spread?

Mpox spreads primarily through direct close contact with an infected person. This includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sexual intercourse) and respiratory droplets through face-to-face interactions such as talking, kissing, and breathing in close proximity. According to the WHO, sexual intercourse has emerged as one of the most common ways of transmission during the 2022 global Mpox outbreak. People infected with Mpox are considered infectious until all lesions have healed, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed over the affected areas. This healing process can take 2-4 weeks. The virus can also remain on clothing, bedding, towels, and surfaces that have come into contact with an infected person, further increasing the risk of infection to others.

Animal-to-human transmission

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This usually occurs through contact with infected animals, such as rodents or primates, or through handling animal meat. Physical contact with an infected animal through a bite, scratch, or cooking animal foods increases the risk of contracting Mpox. Additionally, infection can occur through eating contaminated meat that is not cooked sufficiently.

Avoiding contact with wild animals, especially those that appear sick or dead, can reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission.

Is there a vaccine for Mpox?

WHO currently recommends three vaccines for Mpox prevention: MVA-BN, LC16, and ACAM2000. These vaccines are available in various countries and are primarily reserved for high-risk individuals. WHO does not recommend mass vaccination.

Prevention of Mpox infection

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Mpox. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, including relieving pain and preventing complications. According to WHO, preventing the spread of Mpox requires a multifaceted approach focusing on hygiene, isolation and, where appropriate, vaccination. Regular hand washing, cleaning contaminated surfaces and avoiding close contact with infected people can help reduce the risk of infection.

WHO continues to monitor the situation and advises remaining vigilant. Most people recover from Mpox within two to four weeks, but it remains important to follow public health guidelines and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.