S P E C I A L S T O R Y
transmission . The lab tests confirmed presence of the MPox virus , specifically of West African Clade 2 . The second case is of a Kerala native who came to the state from the UAE recently . The country recorded 30 cases between 2022 and 2024 , with the initial cases originating in Kerala and Delhi . These cases were linked to international travel , particularly from the Gulf region .
The Indian Union Health Ministry has reviewed the situation and emphasized preparedness . Measures include readying 32 testing laboratories , enhancing surveillance at airports , seaports , and border crossings , sensitizing health units at points of entry , and gearing up health facilities for detection , isolation , and management of potential cases . It also focuses on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the symptoms and transmission methods of Mpox . The Ministry has assessed the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission as low but remains vigilant .
The key triggers
In recent outbreaks , the virus has also been noted to spread through prolonged close contact , including sexual activity . While the virus is not as easily transmissible as COVID-19 , its potential to spread through close
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Surveillance and Early Detection
• Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure :
• Communication & Education
• Vaccination
• Research and Development
contact raises concerns , especially in densely populated regions like India . The rapid global spread of the mpox outbreak can be attributed to several interconnected factors . Mpox spreads through direct contact with lesions , bodily fluids , and respiratory droplets from infected individuals . The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans , primarily through bites or scratches or during activities like hunting and cooking infected animals .
“ Mpox begins with symptoms like fever , body aches and followed by emergence of rashes across the body . These rashes develop through various stages macules , papules , vesicles , and pustules — over a period of 2 to 4 weeks . The virus has two main strains , known as Clade I and Clade II , with the former being more severe and associated with higher mortality rates . The current Clade 1B strain is highly infectious and possibly a high mortality rate too . Immediate action is required to prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in India ," informs Dr Rakesh Pandit , Senior Consultant & HOD - Internal Medicine , Aakash Healthcare .
Mpox can survive on contaminated materials , such as clothing or bedding , allowing for indirect transmission . Genetic studies indicate that the mpox virus has undergone mutations that enhance its ability to spread among
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BioVoiceNews | October 2024