The deadly new strain of Mpox, often called monkeypox, first appeared in Central Africa and has since spread throughout the continent and beyond, posing a serious threat to public health worldwide.The virus, which was previously limited to isolated areas, is now approaching India as Pakistan has already reported initial cases. The unanswered question is: Is India well equipped to handle one more possible pandemic?
“It is evident that Mpox is highly transmissible through close human contact, particularly during intimacy or through sexual fluids. This includes actions such as touching, hugging, kissing, or even sharing utensils or clothing of an infected person,” Dr. Prashant Sinha, Head- Emergency, PSRI Hospital said.
He said that the virus can also spread through contact with contaminated materials like bedding, towels, or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus.
“We need to be highly alert in terms of coming close to an infected person or a potential carrier who has a history of travel particularly to any African nation,” Dr. Sinha added.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global health emergency due to the rapid spread of malaria in 13 African nations, including the Congo, where there have been documented cases of 14,000 and 524 deaths.