Overview

• • Declared by WHO: Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
  • Reason: Significant increase in cases, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring African countries.
  • Concern: Potential for spread beyond Africa.
• Current Situation

• • Affected Countries: Detected in 10 African nations; over 96% of cases in the DRC.
  • New Virus Strain: Clade 1b, mainly spreading through sexual contact.
  • Risk Assessment: Clade Ia spreading mostly in children via multiple transmission modes; considered high risk.

• • Cause: Monkeypox virus, genus Orthopoxvirus.
  • Clades: Two types – Clade I and Clade II.
  • Symptoms: Skin rash, mucosal lesions (2–4 weeks), fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes.
  • Transmission: Physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
• Prevention and Treatment

• • Prevention: Avoid physical contact with infected individuals; vaccination (JYNNEOS® vaccine) for at-risk groups.
  • Treatment: Isolation of infected individuals; antivirals like tecovirimat are used; ongoing studies for further treatment options.