Introduction
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations a “global health emergency.” This decision, made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus based on the advice of the International Health Regulations (IHR) emergency committee, marks a critical escalation in the global response to this disease.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox and cowpox.
The virus can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with an infected person or animal, including their blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions. It can also spread via contaminated materials or animal bites.
There are two primary genetic clades of mpox: clade I, predominantly found in central and east Africa, and clade II, more common in west Africa.
Although the exact source of the virus remains unidentified, small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are considered potential carriers.
Symptoms and Treatment of Mpox
In humans, mpox typically presents with a rash that progresses into fluid-filled blisters, often accompanied by fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus is contagious until all the sores have healed, and a new layer of skin has formed.
The incubation period can range from one to 21 days, with the illness usually lasting 2-4 weeks.
While most individuals experience mild symptoms, children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems may suffer more severe complications.
There is no specific treatment for mpox, but supportive care, including pain relievers and fever reducers, is recommended.
An antiviral drug, tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, has been approved for use against mpox in exceptional circumstances.
Vaccines originally developed for smallpox—MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac—are also effective against mpox, but are currently reserved for high-risk populations.
The Current Outbreak and Global Spread
Since the outbreak began in 2022, mpox has spread beyond Africa, affecting 116 countries with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the hardest hit, but cases have also been reported in regions as diverse as the Americas and Europe.
WHO’s declaration of mpox as an acute grade 3 emergency, the highest level of its Emergency Response Framework, underscores the need for immediate and coordinated international action.
This status is intended to accelerate access to testing, vaccines, and treatments in affected areas and to combat the stigma associated with the virus.
Implications of the WHO Emergency Declaration
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of mpox as a global health emergency serves as a critical call to action for countries and donor agencies worldwide. The key objectives of this declaration are to:
Accelerate Access: Enhance the availability of testing, vaccines, and therapeutic treatments in regions most affected by the outbreak.
Reduce Stigma: Implement strategies to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with the virus, ensuring that all affected individuals receive the care they need.
However, it is important to note that the global response to previous emergency declarations has been mixed, often lacking the necessary consistency and urgency.
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is defined under the International Health Regulations (IHR) as an extraordinary event that poses a public health risk to other countries through the international spread of disease and may require a coordinated international response.
This definition highlights situations that are:
Serious, sudden, unusual, or unexpected
Carry implications for public health beyond the affected country’s borders
May require immediate international action
What Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted between animals and humans.
These infections are caused by various germs, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
While some zoonotic diseases, like rabies, can be severe and life-threatening, others may present with milder symptoms and often resolve on their own.
 
Comparing Mpox to COVID-19
Despite its global spread, experts believe it is unlikely that mpox will trigger a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19.
While COVID-19 is an airborne virus that spread rapidly and asymptomatically, mpox spreads much more slowly and typically requires close contact for transmission.
Furthermore, the availability of vaccines and treatments for mpox significantly reduces the risk of widespread outbreaks, a stark contrast to the early days of COVID-19 when no such resources were available.
Should India Be Concerned?
India has reported 27 cases of mpox since mid-2022.
While this number is relatively low, the potential for imported cases and new viral strains highlights the importance of preparedness.
Indian health authorities have already implemented measures such as contact tracing, enhanced surveillance, and public health advisories.
Access to mpox vaccines through the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) could further bolster India’s ability to prevent and manage potential outbreaks.
 
Conclusion
The WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global health emergency is a crucial step in mobilizing resources and international cooperation to contain the outbreak. With vaccines and treatments already available, the global community is better equipped to respond to mpox than it was during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the situation in Africa and the potential for global spread underscore the need for sustained vigilance and preparedness, particularly in countries like India where the number of cases remains low but the risk of transmission persists.
As the world navigates this latest health challenge, coordinated efforts at both national and international levels will be essential in preventing further spread and reducing the impact of this emerging threat.