Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, belongs to the Poxviridae family and the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same group as the smallpox virus. It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it primarily spreads from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals like rodents. However, it can also be transmitted from human to human via close contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.

In 2022, Mpox cases surged in non-endemic countries, with over 10,000 reported cases worldwide. While that outbreak was largely controlled, the Mpox virus has resurfaced in 2024, particularly in African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the most affected, reporting the highest number of cases and fatalities. Mpox has two variants, Clade 1 and Clade 2. The 2024 outbreak has seen a significant rise in cases, leading to the virus being declared an epidemic. So far in 2024, there have been over 20,000 reported cases and more than 600 deaths, predominantly due to the Clade 1 variant circulating in the DRC.

However, recent reports indicate that the Clade 2 variant, which is typically less severe, has been detected in patients in India. The patients were immediately isolated, and the risk to public health remains low. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the West African Clade 2 variant. These cases are not part of the current public health emergency, which is primarily driven by the more dangerous Clade 1 variant.

The patient, along with others from the 2022 outbreak, displayed no significant symptoms of systemic illness or clinical comorbidities. Nevertheless, they were kept under observation due to mild Mpox symptoms. Health officials are treating the patient following established protocols and guidelines, ensuring all necessary public health measures are in place. Authorities have conducted thorough contact tracing to track the patient's movements and ensure that the situation remains under control. There is no current evidence of public health risk from these cases, and the isolated individuals are being closely monitored to prevent further spread.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected animals or humans. Animal-to-human transmission occurs via bites, scratches, or contact with body fluids or lesions of infected animals, often rodents. Human-to-human transmission happens through respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or body fluids, and through contaminated materials like bedding or clothing. Recent evidence suggests that intimate contact, including sexual transmission, may play a role, especially in outbreaks outside Africa.

Treatment for Mpox mainly involves supportive care to manage symptoms such as fever, pain, and skin rashes. For severe cases, antiviral medications like tecovirimat (Tpoxx) can be used, while other drugs like cidofovir and brincidofovir are also considered in certain cases. Vaccines used against smallpox, such as jynneos or ACAM2000, provide protection and can be administered to those at high risk or post-exposure to reduce the severity of infection.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)