The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine for Monkeypox (Mpox), marking the first vaccine sanctioned for use in African countries affected by the outbreak. Following the first reported case of Mpox in India on September 8, 2024, the Union Health Ministry has issued a directive to intensify screening efforts, raising public concerns over potential disease spread. These worries are reminiscent of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Arun Gupta, President of the Delhi Medical Council, expressed significant concern over the spread of Mpox, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, especially for travelers from abroad. Meanwhile, public health researcher Dr. Anant Bhan noted the importance of monitoring new cases, although he indicated that a pandemic scenario appears unlikely at present.
Experts highlighted that while Mpox is less fatal than COVID-19, global spread remains a possibility due to its zoonotic nature, which allows animal-to-human transmission. Human-to-human respiratory transmission seems limited, unlike COVID-19. According to a National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) bulletin, Mpox presents with symptoms similar to smallpox but with less severity, including fever, headache, fatigue, and lymph node enlargement.
The disease often manifests severe symptoms like skin lesions, which can resemble chickenpox but are primarily found on the palms and soles. In some cases, lesions spread to the genitals, causing painful swelling.
Preventive measures recommended include avoiding close, especially sexual, contact with infected individuals, as Mpox primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact. The WHO had previously declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 2022 and again in August 2024, underscoring the need for continued attention to emerging trends.
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Original Story https://www.livemint.com/science/health/can-mpox-bring-another-covid-like-pandemic-experts-say-we-should-be-worried-india-mpox-case-mpox-symptoms-monkeypox-11726209450457.html
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