Monkeypox: Why It’s a Global Health Emergency?
Monkeypox, a virus that was once rare and mostly confined to parts of Africa, has suddenly become a global concern. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the rapid rise in cases around the world. But what exactly is monkeypox, and why is it causing such alarm?
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral infection similar to smallpox, but less severe. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, though monkeypox is much milder and far less deadly.
The virus causes a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or person-to-person contact. Although it is called “monkeypox,” the virus is also found in other animals like rodents. The rash typically begins on the face and spreads to other body parts, progressing through different stages like macules, papules, vesicles, and scabs.
Why Has Monkeypox Been Declared a Global Emergency?
The declaration of monkeypox as a global health emergency happened because the virus, which was once limited to African countries, has spread quickly to other parts of the world. In mid-2022, monkeypox cases began popping up in Europe, North America, and other regions where the disease had never been seen before. Unlike past outbreaks, where cases were usually linked to travel, the virus is now spreading within communities.
This rapid spread, especially among certain groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), prompted the WHO to take action. By declaring a global health emergency, the WHO is urging countries to take monkeypox seriously, invest in vaccines and treatments, and help stop the virus from spreading further.
Monkeypox in India: What’s the Current Situation?
India has also reported a few cases of monkeypox, raising concerns about the potential for wider outbreaks. As of now, the situation in India is under control, with only sporadic cases reported, mostly in individuals who had traveled to affected regions.
The country reported its first case of the year in September 2024, when a man who had traveled from a mpox-affected country tested positive for the West African clade of the virus. This strain differs from the one that led to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a global public health emergency (The New Indian Express)(India Today).
Additional cases have been detected, including one in Kerala involving a 38-year-old man returning from Dubai(Newsx). Despite these isolated incidents, the Indian health ministry has stated there is no immediate widespread risk to the public. The cases reported since 2022 have been travel-related and are being managed with contact tracing and isolation(India Today).
The government remains vigilant, issuing advisories to ensure states are prepared to monitor and manage potential outbreaks.
How Does Monkeypox Spread and What happens if you get monkeypox?
