Mpox (monkeypox)

Source:  DD News

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that mpox (monkeypox) is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to sustained decline in global cases and deaths.

About Mpox (monkeypox):

• What it is?

• • Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
  • Belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which also includes variola (smallpox), cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.

• Origin:

• • First identified in 1958 in monkeys in Denmark.
  • First human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
  • Natural reservoir: Still unknown, though small mammals (squirrels, rodents, monkeys) are considered susceptible.

• Vector / Reservoir:

• • Likely spread from infected animals (rodents, primates) to humans through bites, scratches, hunting, or consumption.
  • Maintained in endemic regions of Central and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks elsewhere.

• Symptoms:

• • Incubation: 5–21 days.
  • Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle/back pain, swollen lymph nodes, low energy.
  • Rash: Starts on face/genitals → spreads to body (palms & soles too). Lesions evolve from flat sores → blisters → scabs.
  • Can cause severe illness in children, pregnant women, immunocompromised (esp. HIV patients).

• Transmission:

• • Human-to-Human:
    • Close contact (skin-to-skin, sexual contact, respiratory droplets).
    • Sharing of contaminated objects (clothing, bedding, needles).
    • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth.
  • Animal-to-Human:
    • From infected rodents/primates via bites, scratches, hunting, or meat consumption.

• Treatment & Management:

• • No specific proven antiviral treatment yet and supportive care is primary.
  • Care includes hydration, nutrition, pain relief, skin care, prevention of secondary infections.