Monkeypox Preparedness

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency. Classified as a Grade 3 emergency by WHO, this designation calls for implementing immediate measures to curb the spread of the virus. While the risk of a widespread outbreak reportedly remains low, the situation requires vigilance and preparedness at both national and international levels. Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus is closely related to the variola virus, which causes smallpox. There are two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus: clade I and clade II. The outbreak, which began in 2022, is attributed to the clade IIb strain. Monkeypox primarily presents with symptoms such as skin rashes or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is generally self-limiting, with symptoms lasting 2–4 weeks, though severe cases can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Monkeypox spreads through direct physical contact with an infected person, including touching, kissing, or engaging in sexual activity. It can also be contracted from animals, particularly through hunting, skinning, or cooking infected animals. Additionally, contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or needles poses a risk of transmission. Pregnant women with monkeypox can pass the virus to their unborn child, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and caution in vulnerable populations. The global response to the monkeypox outbreak has been swift, with health authorities mobilizing resources to contain the virus. In India, no cases of monkeypox have been reported at present, but the government has taken proactive measures to ensure preparedness. Since 2022, a total of 30 cases have been detected in India with the last case in March 2024. India reported the first case of monkeypox in July 2022. Globally since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Monkeypox from 116 countries. The Centre has alerted authorities at airports, ports, and borders, particularly those with Bangladesh and Pakistan, to monitor incoming international passengers for symptoms of monkeypox. In the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, on Tuesday convened a meeting to review the region’s preparedness. The Secretary emphasized the need for proactive measures, including mock drills, training of health officials, and the establishment of isolation wards in all health facilities. Additionally, the authorities have been directed to activate testing, treating, and contact tracing centers, should the need arise. Ensuring the availability of necessary supplies, such as testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and antiviral drugs, has also been prioritized to maintain readiness at the grassroots level. Preventing monkeypox involves avoiding physical contact with infected individuals, animals, and contaminated materials. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating people about the risks and preventive measures. In terms of treatment, monkeypox is managed with supportive care. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for the disease, vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox have been used successfully in some cases.