The World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024, declared the mpox outbreaks in the Congo and other parts of Africa a global emergency on August 14, 2024. The outbreak has spread to 13 African countries, with over 96% of all cases and deaths reported in the Congo.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the cases have increased by 60%, whereas deaths are up by 19% as compared with the same period last year.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "“This is something that should concern us all... The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying." Amid such alarming news, we at OnlyMyHealth asked experts how people in India can prepare against the disease and prevent an outbreak.
Also Read: Expert Talk: How Monkeypox Effects Your Skin & Body
How Monkeypox Spreads
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, explains that monkeypox primarily spreads through contact with infected animals. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly through contact with body fluids such as respiratory secretions, tears, or other bodily fluids that contain the virus, he adds.
According to the doctor, close contact, such as sharing a bed with an infected person, increases the risk of transmission. This is because the virus can be present on bedding or other surfaces, and anyone coming into contact with these contaminated items is at risk of infection, he explains further.
Understanding Incubation Period, Symptoms, And Fatality Risk
If and when a person is infected, the incubation period, which is the time from the moment of exposure to the appearance of signs and symptoms, typically ranges from 6–13 days, though it can extend from 5–21 days, says Dr Baset Hakim, MD Medicine, Apollo Clinic Viman Nagar.
"The period of communicability starts 1-2 days before the rash appears and lasts until all scabs have fallen off or subsided, making the individual non-infectious," he tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
As far as the symptoms are concerned, the doctor says that mpox, or monkeypox, is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2-4 weeks.
Severe cases are more common in children and are influenced by the extent of virus exposure, patient health status, and complications.
According to the doctor, the case fatality ratio has historically ranged from 0 to 11%, with higher rates among young children, though recent outbreaks have shown a case fatality ratio of around 3-6%.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Lymphadenopathy
- Headache, muscle aches, exhaustion
- Chills and/or sweats
- Sore throat and cough
Dr Ghosh shares that after 2-3 days, a rash similar to smallpox may appear, which is generally less severe. The rash typically takes 7–14 days to dry up and disappear, after which the person is no longer infectious.
How India Can Prepare For An Mpox Outbreak
According to reports, the Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines for airports, land ports, and hospitals to remain vigilant regarding international passengers displaying mpox symptoms. Additionally, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released an advisory on effectively managing and containing an mpox outbreak. In response, three prominent Delhi hospitals—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge—have initiated efforts to establish isolation facilities.
While these institutional measures are vital as mpox cases rise globally, it is equally important for individuals to stay alert and informed. Public awareness and proactive behaviour play a key role in preventing the spread of the virus.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, Dr Ghosh advises maintaining distance from anyone returning from affected areas who develops symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle pain, or joint pain.
“The disease often begins with fever, chills, severe headache, cough, and body aches,” he says, adding that treatment is primarily supportive, as there is no proven, safe treatment available for monkeypox.
Dr Hakim adds that diagnosis is typically confirmed through PCR analysis of samples from blood, urine, skin lesions, and oral or nasopharyngeal swabs.
If a person is infected, it is crucial to take prompt steps to curb the spread of the infection. This includes patient isolation, wherein certain measures should be taken, including:
- Isolation of the patient in an isolation room of the hospital or at home in a separate room with separate ventilation
- The patient is to wear a triple-layer mask.
- Skin lesions should be covered to the best extent possible (e.g., long sleeves, long pants) to minimise the risk of contact with others.
- Isolation is to be continued until all lesions have resolved and the scabs have completely fallen off.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by health experts and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own doctor if you develop symptoms and suspect an infection.]