Mpox (Monkeypox) Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO

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 are 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.

Mpox Virus Details

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

Prevention and Treatment

• Prevention