WHO declares Monkey Pox as a Public Health Emergency

WHO declares Monkey Pox as a Public Health Emergency

Context:

The Government of India is actively monitoring the Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) situation following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14th August 2024.

• The declaration was made in light of the disease’s prevalence and spread across various regions, particularly in Africa.
• A high-level meeting chaired by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, was held to review the country’s preparedness and public health measures against Mpox.

Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)

Key Highlights:

Global Mpox Situation:

• WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 14th August 2024.
• Since 2022, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths have been reported globally, with significant increases in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024.

Current Status in India:

• India reported 30 cases of Mpox since WHO’s 2022 declaration, with the last case detected in March 2024.
• Currently, there are no reported cases of Mpox in India, and the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is assessed as low.

Government Preparedness:

• A meeting of experts by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was convened on 12th August 2024 to assess the risk for India.
• Sensitization of health teams at international airports and ports of entry has been undertaken.
• The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) conducted a video conference with over 200 participants to sensitize state-level health authorities and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units.

Directives from the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister:

• Enhanced surveillance for prompt detection of Mpox cases.
• Testing laboratories to be in a state of readiness, with 32 labs currently equipped for testing.
• Dissemination of prevention and treatment protocols on a large scale.
• An awareness campaign among healthcare providers regarding the disease’s signs, symptoms, and the importance of timely notification.

About Mpox:

• Transmission: Mpox spreads primarily through close contact, including skin-to-skin, sexual contact, and contaminated clothing or surfaces. It can also be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include a rash that may last 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands. The rash typically appears as blisters or sores, affecting various body parts, including the face, hands, feet, and genital areas. Severe cases may lead to complications such as encephalitis, myocarditis, or pneumonia.
• Severity: While Mpox symptoms are generally self-limiting, some individuals, especially those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and children, may develop severe illness requiring hospitalization.

Way Forward:

• Enhanced Surveillance: Continuous monitoring and rapid detection of cases are crucial to preventing an outbreak. India must ensure that surveillance systems at airports and other entry points are robust and vigilant.

• Preparedness of Testing Laboratories: Expanding and maintaining the readiness of testing facilities across the country will be vital for early diagnosis and containment of the disease.

• Public Awareness and Education: A widespread awareness campaign is needed to educate the public and healthcare providers about Mpox, its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

• International Collaboration: India should continue collaborating with international health bodies such as WHO, FAO, and WOAH to stay updated on global developments and implement best practices in controlling the spread of Mpox.

• Research and Development: Ongoing research to better understand the transmission dynamics of Mpox, especially in different settings, is necessary. This will also involve studying the potential for transmission through various bodily fluids and the virus’s persistence on surfaces.