Experts warn India is at high risk of contracting Mpox virus; WHO declares global health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent mpox outbreaks a global health emergency as the virus continues to spread rapidly around the world. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of cases and the emergence of a new strain of the virus. Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared mpox a public health emergency, reporting more than 500 deaths and calling for international assistance to curb the outbreak.

On Wednesday, the WHO raised the alert level for mpox to the highest possible level, noting that more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been recorded in Africa alone this year, already exceeding last year’s figures. This is the second time since 2022 that mpox has been considered a global health emergency, reflecting the severity of the situation and the potential for the virus to spread to other continents.

Although mpox outbreak It has wreaked havoc in over 110 countries. Is India in danger? Let’s check it out!

Is Mpox, a threat to India?

Given the recent WHO statement, there are concerns about whether mpox could pose a significant health risk in India. Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, explains that India’s large population, dense urban areas and interconnected communities make it particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases like mpox.

“High population density in cities can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, making them difficult to contain,” said Dr. Tayal. “Sudden outbreaks could overwhelm medical resources and healthcare infrastructure, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if multiple regions are affected simultaneously.”

Dr. Tayal also noted that India’s status as a major global travel hub could increase the risk of introduction and spread of human immunodeficiency virus (MPOX) in the country. He further noted that India’s large population with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions, could make them more susceptible to severe MPOX infections due to a compromised immune system.

“There is also a significant disparity in medical infrastructure between urban and rural areas in India, which can pose a challenge in managing a disease outbreak,” Dr Tayal added.

As the global situation continues to evolve, it will be critical for India to remain alert and prepared to respond to potential threats posed by the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (MPOX). Public health officials are likely to closely monitor the situation and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the population from this emerging health threat.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that can affect both humans and animals. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, known for causing diseases characterized by a rash that includes raised bumps on the skin. These bumps usually contain fluid or pus, which eventually form scabs and heal.

The virus is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. Person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets from an infected person, as well as by touching contaminated objects. Symptoms of mpox usually appear between three and 21 days after exposure and can last between two and four weeks.

While mpox is a disease that usually resolves on its own, it can lead to serious complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, respiratory distress, and secondary bacterial infections, which can be fatal. Currently, there are no approved antiviral treatments for mpox.