Monkeypox is a global crisis currently: What is its status in India?

Monkeypox

has become a global threat right now. The disease which was limited to Congo earlier has now become a major health crisis in several countries worldwide. Countries like Pakistan, Philippines have already recorded monkeypox cases this year. A deadly and more transmissible strain of the virus known as Clade 1b has killed hundreds of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and been detected in Sweden and Pakistan in recent days.

The recent case in the Philippines, a 33 year old man showed symptoms more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles, the health department said.

The World Health Organization last week declared the monkeypox surge a public health emergency of international concern, its highest alert level.

What is monkeypox or Mpox's status in India?

There are no reported cases of Monkeypox in India as of date.Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda held a meeting on Saturday to review the preparedness for monkeypox. In the meeting it was decided that as a matter of abundant caution, certain measures [such as sensitizing the health units at all the airports, seaports, and ground crossings; readying the testing Laboratories (32 in no.); gearing up health facilities for detecting, isolating and managing any case, etc.] are put in place.

In 2022, India had reported the first case of monkeypox. A 35-year old man who arrived from the Middle East was India's first case of the infectious virus. Globally since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Monkeypox from 116 countries. Since the 2022 declaration by WHO, a total of 30 cases have been detected in India.

The latest case of monkeypox in India was detected in March 2024. During the current outbreak of monkeypox, following which the WHO had declared it to be a global concern, no cases have been found in India.

Clade 1b is a serious threat

Clade 1b is the new variant of monkeypox virus which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring the DRC is especially concerning, and one of the main reasons for the declaration of the PHEIC, the World Health Organisation has said.

In the past month, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in four countries neighbouring the DRC that have not reported mpox before: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, it had added.

How to stay safe?

To stay safe from monkeypox, practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with individuals who have symptoms of monkeypox, such as a rash or flu-like symptoms, and avoid touching surfaces or objects that may be contaminated. Use personal protective equipment like masks and gloves if you are in contact with potentially infected individuals or materials.