Mpox Outbreak: Why is Mpox so dangerous? Know the history of this disease and ways to prevent it

 Mpox Outbreak: Why is Mpox so dangerous? Know the history of this disease and ways to prevent it

Mpox is a dangerous disease. WHO has also expressed concern about its horror and a few days ago an emergency meeting was also called in this regard.

Why Mpox is Trending on Google Trends: In recent times, there is a lot of discussion about Mpox or Monkeypox in the health corridors. These days it is also trending a lot in Google. One reason for this is that recently WHO has expressed its concern over Mpox. In this regard, recently the WHO i.e. World Health Organization had called an emergency meeting. WHO fears that this disease can spread to other countries including African countries. Let us tell you that in September 2023 last year, the cases of this disease increased rapidly in the African country Congo. Some cases of this have also been seen in India. In this regard, we spoke to Dr., General Physician at Apollo Spectra, Mumbai. Talked to Rahul Nikhumbhe.

Latest cases of monkeypox

According to WHO, "The International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) of the Republic of South Africa has reported 20 monkeypox cases to the WHO between 8 May and 2 July 2024. This includes about three deaths. All these cases were from different parts. This is the first case of monkeypox in South Africa since 2022. Whereas, at that time about five cases were reported in the country, none of which were serious and no one died. Of these, the affected persons were men between the ages of 17 and 43." Talking about India, the first case of monkeypox was seen in Kerala. According to the report of the World Health Organization, about 27 cases of monkeypox have been reported in our country so far. While only one death has occurred.

History of Mpox in the last five years

According to the CDC, the monkeypox virus was discovered in 1958. Although the disease was named monkeypox, the main reason behind its occurrence was not known till that time. The first human case of monkeypox was seen in 1970. However, the World Health Organization has changed the name of this disease in 2022, following the modern guidelines in terms of naming diseases. Those guidelines suggest that the name of the disease should avoid offending cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups and was done to minimize unnecessary negative impacts on business, travel, tourism or animal welfare. However, the virus that causes the disease still has its historical name.

What kind of virus is Mpox?

There are two types of Mpox viruses, Clade 1 and Clade 2. Talking about Clade 1, it is a more serious disease than the other and it can also cause death. According to reports, 10 percent of people have died so far due to Clade 1 type virus. However, the mortality rate due to this disease has decreased in recent years. Despite this, it is not right to ignore it considering its seriousness. On the other hand, if we talk about Clade 2, then it has caused the outbreak that started in 2022. However, it is true that the symptoms are mild in the patients of this Clade 2 and 99 percent of people recover from this disease.

Empox vaccine

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, "There are two vaccines available in this regard to reduce the severity and mortality rate of empox. JYNNEOS and ACAM2000." According to experts, JYNNEOS is considered to be a better vaccine to manage empox. The question arises that who should get this vaccine? Are there any side effects of it? According to the website, this vaccine should be given to those people who have had sex with a partner who has had ampox in the last 14 days. Apart from this, gay, bisexual, transgender or people who have physical relations with more than one person should definitely get this vaccine. Two doses of JYNNEOS are given for protection from ampox. After giving one dose, one has to wait for about 4 weeks for the second dose.

Who should not get the ampox vaccine?

According to the CDC, those people should not get the vaccine who had a severe allergic reaction after the first dose of JYNNEOS. Talk to the doctor about your health condition. They can take the help of antibiotics to reduce the effect of the allergic reaction.

Side effects of ampox vaccine

By the way, there are no side effects of ampox vaccine. But, according to the CDC, some people may have problems of redness and itching after getting the vaccine. At the same time, some people may have problems of fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, chills and muscle pain after getting the vaccine. Let us tell you that all these signs indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.

Symptoms of ampox

People usually get rashes on hands, feet, chest and mouth when they get Mpox. Its symptoms are also seen in genital areas, such as penis, testicles, vagina and anus. There are no special symptoms for the first 3 to 17 days. But gradually its symptoms become more intense. The rashes seen in the beginning look like pimples or blisters. After some time, itching starts in it, which also causes pain. Talking about its other symptoms-

Fever

Chills

Swelling in lymph nodes

Fatigue

Muscle and back pain

Headache

Symptoms related to respiratory problems, such as sore throat, blocked nose and cough

How to prevent Mpox

Why Mpox is Trending on Google Trends

To prevent Mpox, it is very important that you get vaccinated. It is necessary to get both its recommended doses within four weeks. If for some reason there is a delay in getting the vaccine, it would be better to stay away from infected people.

Avoid coming in skin to skin contact with people. Especially, do not touch people who are showing rashes like ampox on hands, face, chest, mouth etc.

Avoid kissing or having sex with people infected with ampox.

If you belong to a place where this disease is spreading. Avoid touching those animals in such places, which carry the ampox virus.

Frequently asked questions related to ampox

Can ampox be caused by touching?

Anyone can get ampox. If someone touches an infected person, then the risk of ampox can increase. Apart from this, this disease can also be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person by kissing and having sex.

Is the ampox vaccine necessary?

According to experts, it is necessary to get vaccinated to prevent ampox. Two doses of this vaccine are required. Both doses are given at an interval of 4 weeks.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

When monkeypox occurs, blister-like rashes appear on the hands, feet, chest, mouth and genital area. Apart from this, symptoms like fever, chills, headache are also seen when monkeypox occurs.