The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Mpox Virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), raising worldwide concerns. Similar to smallpox but less severe, the monkeypox Virus spreads rapidly and is highly infectious. Though it primarily affects animals like monkeys and rodents, it can also infect humans through close contact.
While the immediate threat might not seem as imminent as during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts caution against complacency. In this article, we take a look at the virus and its behaviour to understand how likely is it going to enter India, and how prepared is the country to tackle such an outbreak.
While the risk of a large-scale mpox outbreak in India might be low at present, the potential consequences are severe. Scroll down to know how prepare are we as Indians to face this looming monkeypox virus outbreak challenges.
Is India Ready To Face Monkeypox Outbreak?
Given the looming threat of a Monkeypox outbreak, is India equip to tackle this crisis? India has a strong healthcare system and experience with infectious diseases, but the unique challenges posed by the Mpox Virus require heightened vigilance. India’s strategy must include ramped-up surveillance, better lab testing, and sufficient vaccines and medical supplies to manage a possible outbreak. “The country must remain prepared and vigilant, learning from the experiences of other nations and strengthening its public health response capabilities,” said Indian health experts pannel.
The country’s experience with COVID-19 has provided valuable lessons in pandemic management. The robust surveillance system, healthcare network, and public awareness campaigns put in place during the pandemic can be leverage to combat mpox. However, challenges such as resource allocation, especially in rural areas, and the vastness of the country still pose hurdles.
What Is Mpox Virus: Symptoms and Transmission
The Mpox virus belongs to the Poxviridae family and is closely link to the Monkeypox virus. Although similar to Monkeypox, Mpox has unique traits that make it distinct. The exact origins of the Mpox virus are not well understood. It’s believe that the virus might have come from animals and passes to humans, a hypothesis that’s still being investigate. Knowing how Mpox spreads is vital for creating effective measures to contain it.
Symptoms:
While signs and symptoms totally depends on the severity of the infection, here are a few indicators of Mpox that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Persistent fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting, and
- Diarrhea
In rare cases, a patient might also suffer from respiratory issues like coughing and shortness of breath.
Read Also – Health Minister JP Nadda Reviews India’s Preparedness Amid Global Monkeypox Alert
WHO Declares Mpox ‘A Global Health Threat’
The WHO’s decision to declare a PHEIC is a serious call to action. It highlights the need for global cooperation in surveillance, research, and response to the disease. India needs to remain vigilant and strengthen its public health infrastructure to effectively tackle any potential outbreak.
