​Monkeypox declared global public health emergency: What is it and why is it a global threat?

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox as a global threat. The WHO flagged it as a PHEIC or public health emergency of international concern, which is the highest level of warning issued by the WHO. PHEIC is “an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response."

“The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa, but for the entire globe. Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself," WHO Committee Chair Professor Dimie Ogoina said.

The first reported human case of monkeypox was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. A global outbreak of monkeypox was recorded in 2022-2023.

"The natural reservoir of the virus is unknown – various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are susceptible," the WHO says.

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Monkeypox can easily spread from an infected person to a healthy one through direct contact like talking or breathing, touching or sex, kissing, oral sex or kissing the skin. People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk. People can also contract the infection through contaminated objects such as clothing or linens, injuries or even tattoo parlours.

Monkeypox can also occur through animal bites, scratches or coming in contact with the flesh or skin of contaminated animals.

There are certain typical signs of monkeypox seen within 21 days of the infection. The common symptoms are rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

The initial signs of monkeypox are fever, muscle ache and sore throat.

The typical sign of monkeypox is a rash that appears as a flat sore. it then develops into a blister and can be itchy. Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems are at risk for complications from monkeypox.

Monkeypox has become severe and lead to pneumonia, corneal infection with loss of vision; pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea causing severe dehydration or malnutrition; sepsis; inflammation of the brain or encephalitis, heart, rectum (proctitis), genital organs (balanitis) or urinary passages (urethritis); or death.

India reported the first case of monkeypox in 2022. "The first case of monkeypox in WHO South-East Asia Region has been reported from India, in a 35-year old man who arrived from the Middle East earlier this week," the WHO had confirmed then.

As on 24 July, 2023, a total of 27 confirmed cases of Monkeypox disease have been reported by the States and UTs in the country. This includes 12 cases from Kerala and 15 cases from Delhi.

To stay safe from monkeypox, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of monkeypox, such as rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Use personal protective equipment if caring for someone infected and avoid handling or consuming wild animals, particularly those showing illness. Maintaining cleanliness and vigilance in personal interactions can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading monkeypox.