Case of ‘clade 2’ Mpox confirmed, not part of current WHO emergency: govt.
- September 10, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Case of ‘clade 2’ Mpox confirmed, not part of current WHO emergency: govt.
Sub: Sci
Sec: Health
Context:
- The Union Health Ministry confirmed that a person had tested positive for Mpox caused by the clade 2 strain of the virus.
Cause for concern?
- The ministry says it is a travel-related isolated case and not a part of the current public health emergency by WHO which is regarding clade 1 of Mpox.
- There is no indication of any widespread risk to the public at this time.
- The disease surveillance network under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme continues to monitor for any clustering of cases.
About Mpox:
- Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (formerly monkeypox virus).
- It primarily occurs in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa but has seen outbreaks globally.
Two types of the mpox virus:
- Clade I:
- It originated in Central Africa and is responsible for the current outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Clade I is known for its higher virulence and mortality rates compared to Clade II.
- Clade II:
- It originated in West Africa.
- Infections from clade II mpox are generally less severe.
Transmission:
- Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets and through indirect contact via contaminated items.
- Animal-to-human transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or consumption of infected animals.
WHO Data:
- According to WHO, most of the cases reported during this current outbreak of Mpox were among young males with a median age of 34 (range 18-44), with the most common mode of transmission reported globally being sexual contact, followed by person-to-person non-sexual contact.
- Among cases in which at least one symptom is reported, the most common symptom is rash, followed by fever.
- Around half (51.9%) of the cases with available information on their HIV status are reported to be in persons living with HIV.