New Delhi: Low Risk of Mpox Surge in India Despite WHO PHEIC Declaration
The Indian health ministry has reassured the public that the risk of an Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) surge in India remains very low, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Health ministry sources confirmed that the last case of Mpox in India was reported from Kerala in March this year, with a total of 30 laboratory-confirmed cases documented since 2022. Despite the WHO’s heightened alert due to rising cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several African countries, there is no immediate cause for concern in India.
The health ministry is considering advising points of entry such as airports and seaports to maintain vigilance and follow established protocols for isolation and treatment of suspected cases. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda is scheduled to meet with officials from the ministry, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to review the situation.
Mpox, a viral zoonosis transmitted from animals to humans, presents symptoms similar to but less severe than smallpox, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is typically self-limiting, with symptoms lasting two to four weeks. The transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and occasionally through contaminated materials. The case fatality rate historically ranges from 3% to 11%, with recent figures closer to 3-6%.
The WHO first declared Mpox a PHEIC in July 2022, following a multi-country outbreak. The declaration was lifted in May 2023 after a sustained decrease in global cases. The current declaration marks the second time Mpox has been classified as a PHEIC, reflecting ongoing concerns about its spread in certain regions.
As the situation evolves, Indian authorities remain committed to monitoring and managing potential risks associated with Mpox while ensuring that public health measures are in place to address any developments.
