Mpox is a virulent outbreak that has become a global health threat. You need to know about transmission, symptoms and prevention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Global Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Cases are on the rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are now spreading outside of Africa. Cases have also been reported in Sweden and Pakistan. With bordering nations reporting mpox cases, India is on high alert. How does mpox spread? Is India at risk of mpox? These questions loom large as the world prepares to deal with the mpox outbreak.

Photo Gallery: Mpox Cases on the Rise: Vaccine for First Symptoms, 6 Essential Things to Know About This Global Health Scare

How does Mpox virus spread?

Respiratory droplets may play a role in the spread of Mpox but not as efficiently as Covid-19 or even the flu, infectious disease experts said, as reported by IANS. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “prolonged face-to-face interaction (such as talking or breathing)” can increase the risk of infection. WHO also maintains that respiratory droplets (and possibly low-range aerosols) can transmit Mpox.

“This suggests that respiratory droplets may play a role in transmission. That being said, it plays a lesser role in transmission dynamics compared to direct intimate contact and sexual contact, which is the primary mode of transmission,” Dr. Dipu TS, Professor and Unit Head, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Cochim told IANS.

“Unlike highly contagious airborne viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, outbreaks of Mpox are unlikely to occur in small encounters,” Dr. Lancelot Mark Pinto, consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center told IANS.

However, family transmission, contact with an infected person or place are more likely to spread the virus.

Mpox: Symptoms and Prevention

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs mainly in tropical rainforest areas of central and western Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. The disease is currently raging in Africa with more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported.

It mainly causes fever, headache and muscle aches as well as painful blisters on the skin. It spreads from person to person through close, skin-to-skin contact. “The predominance of children in DRC epidemics suggests that transmission may be respiratory. In fact, smallpox and Mpox are respiratory viruses, and Mpox has been identified in ambient air,” the researchers noted.

Health officials have been alerted, with airports and borders stepping up security checks to screen people with mpox. Maintaining proper personal hygiene and consuming a nutrient-rich diet is important to boost the immune system.

In a recent development, the world's largest vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII) has also announced plans to develop a vaccine for Mpox. “The Serum Institute of India is currently working on developing a vaccine for Mpox,” CEO Adar Poonawala said in a statement, adding that the company would share “positive news” in a year's time.