India steps up surveillance amid global Mpox emergency (Image credit: iStock)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its response to Mpoxa disease formerly known as monkeypox, by declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. This decision comes after the identification of a new strain of the virus in parts of Africa, where more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been recorded this year. On Monday, one suspected case of Mpox was reported in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), bringing the total number of cases in Pakistan to four. In addition, three more cases have been reported in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province over the past week.
As Mpox approaches India, concerns are mounting over the country’s preparedness. India is actively monitoring the situation and has stepped up its response efforts. Health teams at international airports are being trained to identify possible cases, and 32 laboratories across the country are now equipped to test for the virus, with more expected to be added. Major hospitals including RML, Safdarjung, AIIMS and Lady Hardinge are gearing up to handle Mpox patients. Although the National Institute of Virology in Pune is equipped to test samples, no positive cases have been reported in India so far. The Serum Institute of India is collaborating with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to develop a vaccine.
Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease originating in animals such as rodents and primates. First detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it remained relatively hidden until a global outbreak in 2022. The recent surge in cases in eastern DRC and other African regions, coupled with the emergence of a new sexually transmitted strain, has sparked international alarm.
The symptoms of Mpox are similar to those of smallpox: the illness usually lasts between two and four weeks and usually resolves with supportive measures. Severe cases can lead to widespread lesions, secondary bacterial infections, and lung infections. The virus is spread through prolonged close contact, sexual transmission, or contaminated materials.
Precautions are especially crucial for newborns, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Effective case identification, isolation, treatment and contact tracing are vital to controlling the spread of the disease.
Some countries, including Sweden, have reported cases, and the recent WHO statement highlights the urgency of a global response. Last year, India reported around 30 cases of Mpox, with the most recent case detected in March 2024.
(With contributions from the agency)
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