Tracking the M-Pox Epidemic: Why Cases are Surging in 2024.
--- By Swaroop Pradhan.
The Beginning & The Outrage:-
Caused by the Monkey Pox Virus, the M-Pox illness can spread from person to person or from animal to human where the infected being transfers the virus to the healthy being by close contact, touch, or usage of same things. This virus was first observed in monkeys as Monkey Pox in 1958 and in 1970, it was first documented in humans in Democratic Republic of Congo.
This viral infection has been declared as the most emerging infection twice by The WHO in the span of just 2 years. This infection which initially causes rashes (blisters or sores on hand, face or outer skin) follows up with fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and swollen glands (lymph nodes). There has been a rise in cases of active M-Pox affected people in Africa numbering more than 14,000 cases and more than 530 deaths which is comparatively more than the last year as reported by The World Heath Organization on 19th July, 2024.
The number has risen up to 18,737 suspected or confirmed active M-Pox infections in Africa by early August, 2024 with a frequency of 1200 cases per month. This infection started out as an endemic in Africa until 2022, which changed into a worldwide epidemic soon. According to the World Health Organization and the African Health Union starting from 2022 till 2024, there has been 99,000 cases of the M-Pox and around 208 deaths across 116 countries.
The reports from The WHO reveals that there are 2 major variants of this M-pox virus i.e., Clade 1 & Clade 2 out of which The Clade 1 is believed to be deadlier because of the aggressive mutant variant Clade 1B causing 4% of death in public cases. This variant of virus has been spreading rapidly and little is known about this variant. According to the international health regulations, there is no need to secure /closing the borders of now as immigration still might not stop despite the restrictions. But, precautions can still be taken by not sharing essentials, restricting touch with people outside, keeping houses and surroundings clean all the time. Yet, there are few vaccines which are approved by The WHO (MVA-BN or LC-16 or ACAM2000) which can be used by the ones affected or are exposed to affected regions.
The most hit region withThe M-Pox is the African Subcontinent with Republic of Congo being the most affected country in the World with 1005 ( 222 confirmed and 783 suspected) cases and 24 deaths in one week.
The most challenging part is the deliverance of the vaccines to the most affected part of the world i.e., Africa. Outside Africa, Sweden and Pakistan marks their first cases which raises concern today.
Global health officials confirmed a new strain of the M-Pox virus in Sweden, marking the first instance of its spread outside Africa. The patient, who contracted the Clade 1B strain in Africa, is currently receiving treatment. Public health expert Lawrence Gostin warns this could signal dozens of undetected cases in Europe, heightening concerns about the virus's international spread.
Additionally, Pakistan’s health department in Khyber Pankhurst detected three cases of Mpox among individuals arriving from the United Arab Emirates, further stressing the global nature of this viral outbreak.
This news emphasizes the importance of global surveillance as M-Pox continues to spread across borders. Early detection, public awareness, and preventive measures are crucial to curbing this emerging health threat.
China Intensifies M-Pox Screening: New Measures for Incoming Travelers and Goods
China announced that it will monitor travelers and goods entering the country for Mpox over the next six months, following heightened concerns about the virus. According to the country’s customs administration, individuals from regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks who have been exposed or show symptoms must declare themselves upon entry. Additionally, all vehicles, containers, and goods from affected areas will undergo sanitation procedures to prevent contamination.
China’s National Health Commission has classified M-Pox as a Category B infectious disease, granting officials the authority to enforce emergency measures such as restricting public gatherings, suspending work and school, or sealing off areas during outbreaks.
In a related development, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) raised its travel alert for Congo and six other African countries, citing the high transmission and mortality rates of the new M-Pox strain. CDC Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun emphasized the importance of heightened precautions due to the rapid spread in Africa.
These global efforts highlight the urgency of combating M-Pox and preventing its spread through international travel and trade.
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What to Conclude:-
The recent Mpox outbreak in Africa, now spreading to Sweden and Pakistan, underscores the urgent need for global vigilance. This escalating health crisis highlights vulnerabilities in public health systems worldwide. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact. International collaboration on vaccine distribution, public awareness, and stringent health measures are essential to contain the virus. As Mpox crosses borders, future precautions must focus on early detection, rapid response, and global cooperation to safeguard public health and prevent a broader pandemic.