India’s health ministry is preparing to release an updated advisory on Mpox following the World Health Organization's declaration of a global emergency due to a more dangerous strain of the virus. This new variant is spreading rapidly and has raised concerns worldwide.

The updated guidelines, incorporating input from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), will address several key areas. These include screening sick individuals at ports of entry, isolating suspected and confirmed cases, conducting laboratory tests, and monitoring symptoms. Additionally, the advisory will cover prevention measures, reporting procedures, surveillance strategies, community awareness, and infection control in hospitals.

The more lethal strain of Mpox, which originated in Africa, is more severe than the variant first detected in 2022. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact. As of June 2024, the WHO reported 99,176 laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases across 116 countries, with 208 deaths. The virus’s increased lethality is evident, with 537 deaths reported from 15,600 cases since last year.

“It is crucial to educate the public about common symptoms and proper reporting procedures,” an official stated. “Given the potential for the virus to enter India through international travel, robust surveillance at ports is essential.”

Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite initial neglect, the virus caused a global outbreak in 2022. The current rise in cases, especially with the new sexually transmissible strain, poses a significant threat both to Africa and globally.

The virus spreads through prolonged close contact with an infected person, including sexual contact, and can be transmitted via body fluids or contaminated clothing. While infections typically resolve on their own within two to four weeks with supportive care, the rapid global spread makes it challenging to prevent entry into new regions.

Raman Gangakhedkar, former scientist and national chair at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlighted the difficulty in stopping the virus due to high global mobility. “The spread of the virus is such that preventing its entry into any country, including India, is challenging. The key to managing this situation is public awareness and timely reporting of cases,” he said. “There is no immediate cause for panic, but strengthening surveillance, particularly at airports, is a wise decision.”

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