Mpox in India - Symptoms, Transmission, and Precautions

Mpox in India - Symptoms, Transmission, and Precautions

Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, has become a global health concern since its spread beyond Africa in 2022. India reposted its first confirmed Mpox case in September 2024 in Delhi. The patient is a 26-year-old man who recently returned from a country with active Mpox transmission. Indian authorities identified and isolated the patient quickly. Patients with Mpox typically experience rashes, a fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is transmitted through close physical contact, respiratory droplets in close quarters and from pregnant mother to foetus. The Mpox vaccine is currently not recommended to be administered to the general public in a mass vaccination campaign. However, people travelling to high-risk countries can avail the vaccine. The Indian government has set up screening, testing and contact tracing operations at all international airports to identify incoming cases. The threat of Mpox in India is low at present. However, awareness and caution are advised.

In recent months, Mpox has emerged as a global public health concern. The WHO declared Mpox endemic to central and west Africa in 2022. Since then, the viral disease has spread to other countries causing global concerns. After all, the covid-19 pandemic is still fresh in our collective consciousness. The first cluster of international Mpox cases was detected in the UK in May 2022. In the beginning of September 2024, India’s first case of Mpox was confirmed in Delhi. The patient is a young 26-year-old man, who recently returned to India from a country which is experiencing Mpox transmissions. The case was promptly identified by the authorities, and the patient has been admitted to an isolation ward. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the virus is the Mpox clade II, a less dangerous variant of the disease. Indian authorities have already put protocols in place to ensure the disease doesn’t spread and reach the “community transmission” stage.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. There are currently 2 distinct variants of the virus – clade I (sub-clades: Ia and Ib) and clade II (sub-clades: IIa and IIb). Mpox is transmitted through close physical contact between people, through touching surfaces contaminated by an infected person and from mother to foetus during pregnancy. People with multiple sexual partners are at a higher risk of contracting Mpox. Although it is a serious illness, Mpox has a low fatality rate. Most patients recover fully within 2-4 weeks after symptoms appear. Patients with weakened immune systems, HIV patients, infants below 1 year or age, patients with eczema and pregnant women are more likely to get severely ill if infected with Mpox. There is a vaccine for Mpox, but mass vaccination is not currently recommended by the WHO.

The signs and symptoms of Mpox usually begin within a week of infection, but can take upto 21 days after exposure. The symptoms last 2 to 4 weeks, in some cases a bit longer.

Mpox usually begins with the rashes or with the fever. Other symptoms set in later. The rashes start as flat sores, which develop into blisters filled with fluid. They may be itchy or painful. The fluid-filled blisters can break and form skin lesions. The blisters and lesions eventually dry up and form a crusty scab. The scab falls off once the skin below has healed. Until all the blisters on the skin have healed completely, the patient is still infectious.

The symptoms of Mpox are often confused with chickenpox, herpes or shingles. If you have any rashes, it is advisable to visit an infectious disease specialist and have it checked.

Mpox spreads mainly through close personal contact. Close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact and hugging can lead to an infection. If anyone in your household is infected with Mpox, they should be isolated. It is important to keep them in a separate room, ensure they wear a normal face mask, and encourage frequent handwashing.

Mpox also spreads through contaminated objects. People can contract Mpox through physical contact with an Mpox patient’s clothing, bed linen and utensils. Mpox can also be contracted from animals, through bites or scratches from infected rats, monkeys and other wild animals. Mpox is not as easily transmitted as viruses like Covid-19. This is why the WHO does not believe Mpox is likely to turn into a global pandemic and overwhelm medical infrastructure at scale.

To protect yourself and your family from these risks, be vigilant about cases of Mpox in your household, your community, your school or your workplace. Practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands frequently and regularly sanitizing surfaces, is helpful.

The Indian government has acted swiftly upon identifying the first confirmed Mpox case in the country. They have issued a directive to the state and recommended a 3-prong approach of screening vulnerable groups, testing, contact tracing of all suspected patients. They have maintained that there is no need for panic. States, like Tamil Nadu, have already taken measures to screen incoming travellers for fevers at the international airports and earmarked isolation wards close by. Digital boards with information on Mpox symptoms and how to seek medical attention for them have also been installed at the airports. 22 laboratories have been identified across the country for Mpox testing. All district medical officers have been instructed to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for more potential infections. The Indian government maintains that this is not a medical emergency.

While the idea of a rapidly advancing disease is scary, at the moment the threat in India is relatively low. It is advisable to be cautious and vigilant, but not worried. Awareness of the symptoms is important, so now that you know, you can educate your family and friends too. Report your symptoms to your family doctor or visit the hospital as soon as they begin. Don’t wait for the symptoms to develop. Follow the news to keep yourself updated on the current developments, from trusted sources like the WHO and the Ministry of Health. Most importantly, practice good hygiene. Keep washing your hands and avoid touching your face often. Avoid physical contact with too many people. Avoid contact with anyone who is ill. If you follow these measures, you can keep yourself and your family safe from Mpox.

However, if you are planning to travel to a country which is experiencing active Mpox transmission, it is advised to be more careful.

At Kauvery Hospital, with locations in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for infectious diseases like Mpox. We emphasize prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Trust Kauvery Hospital for your health and safety needs.

What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which leads to rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

How is Mpox transmitted?
It spreads through close personal contact, touching contaminated objects, and from animals like monkeys or rats.

What are the common symptoms of Mpox?
Symptoms include rashes that turn into fluid-filled blisters, fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches.

How is the situation with Mpox in India?
India reported its first Mpox case in September 2024, and authorities are monitoring it closely with screening, testing, and contact tracing.

Should I be worried about Mpox?
The threat is low for the public. While caution and awareness are advised, there is no need to panic if you follow good hygiene practices.

Who is most at risk for severe Mpox?
People with weakened immune systems, HIV, infants, those with eczema, and pregnant women may face more severe symptoms.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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