As Mpox scare spreads, doctors caution against indiscriminate vaccination and hospitalisation
The rapid spread of Mpox, which in the past has largely remained limited to Central Africa, has raised fears of another COVID-19-like pandemic. While health experts say it is unlikely to cause another pandemic, they warn against letting our guard down.
Mpox, the viral infection formerly known as Monkeypox and caused by the Monkeypox virus, is spreading panic around the world as cases continue to be reported from more countries. Thailand became the sixth country in the world and the third in Asia to report the Clade 1b strain of Mpox in 2024. The rapid spread of Mpox, which in the past has largely remained limited to Central Africa, has raised fears of another COVID-19-like pandemic. While health experts say it is unlikely to cause another pandemic, they warn against letting our guard down.
CREDIT: REUTERS
Risk of Mpox spread in India
"Currently, it is a concern primarily for individuals with a travel history to regions where the virus is endemic, such as certain parts of Africa. However, cases have been reported globally, including in countries where the disease was not previously seen. While the immediate threat to the general population is relatively low, vigilance is necessary, particularly in individuals who have travelled to or from affected areas," said Dr. Rohit Garg, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
According to Dr. Nasiruddin G, Consultant in Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, the risk of Mpox in India is low.
CREDIT: REUTERS
"India currently assesses a low risk of widespread Mpox transmission, primarily affecting those with recent travel history to endemic areas. However, vigilance is necessary as cases in regions like Europe and North America indicate ongoing vulnerabilities," he said.
Also read: Pakistan confirms first case of Mpox, on traveler returning from the Middle East
Mpox symptoms
If you have a travel history or contact with a suspected Mpox patient, these are the symptoms to watch out for:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and exhaustion
- Rash: Develops 1-3 days after fever, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised lesions), vesicles (fluid-filled lesions), pustules, and eventually scabs.
- Lesions: Can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals, and mucous membranes.
CREDIT: REUTERS
Precautions while caring Mpox patients
If someone tests positive for Mpox, the following precautions should be adhered to:
- Isolation of the affected patient in a separate room
- Caregivers should wear masks, gloves, and gowns when handling the patient or their belongings.
- Hand hygiene
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that the patient may have touched
- Avoid sharing items
"If a member of your household tests positive, maintain isolation, limit contact, and ensure the patient uses separate utensils and linens. Caregivers should wear masks and gloves and practise strict hygiene to prevent transmission," said Dr. Nasiruddin.
According to Dr. Garg, not all Mpox patients require hospitalisation.
"Hospitalisation is not necessary for all Mpox patients. Mild cases can be managed at home with supportive care. However, hospitalisation may be required for severe cases, especially those involving complications such as secondary bacterial infections, or for patients who are immunocompromised," Dr. Garg said.
CREDIT: REUTERS
Quarantine for Mpox patients
He, however, said that Mpox patients should quarantine themselves to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
"Quarantine is advised for confirmed cases to prevent the spread of the virus. This typically involves isolation at home or in a healthcare facility until the patient is no longer contagious, which is generally when all lesions have crusted over and a fresh layer of skin has formed," he said.
"Patients should be isolated until all lesions have healed, typically 2-4 weeks. Caregivers must maintain distance, wear protective gear, and ensure the patient has adequate food and sanitation. Regular cleaning of shared spaces is essential," Dr. Nasiruddin said.
Care for Mpox patients includes:
- Symptomatic relief: Provide medications to manage symptoms such as fever and pain (e.g., paracetamol).
- Hydration: Ensure the patient stays hydrated.
- Nutrition: Provide nutritious meals to support the immune system.
- Skin care: Keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid scratching lesions to prevent secondary infections.
Like other viral infections, patients with comorbidities or immunocompromised status may be at risk of Mpox developing into a serious health condition.
Those in the risk category include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Immunosuppressive therapies
- Chronic conditions including diabetes and hypertension
- Pregnancy
- Children
"Special precautions should be taken for these groups," Dr. Nasiruddin said.
No long-term complications from Mpox
Unlike COVID-19, Mpox has no known long-term health complications associated with the infection.
"Most people recover fully from Mpox within 2-4 weeks. However, there can be complications such as secondary bacterial infections, scarring, and, in rare cases, more severe conditions like encephalitis. Long-term effects are generally uncommon, but severe cases can result in prolonged recovery and possible residual scarring," Dr. Garg said.
MPOX ?
¡ª PIB India (@PIB_India) August 22, 2024
?? #Mpox is a viral illness that can be managed with supportive care. Learn how it spreads, recognize the symptoms, and follow these prevention tips
Here is what you need to know!?#MpoxAwarenessb @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/XHKONGZpzP
Mpox is not sexually transmitted
Ever since Mpox started spreading outside Africa in 2022, there have been rumours that the infection is spread through same-sex relations. However, doctors say that this claim is untrue.
"Mpox is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact. While there have been clusters of cases reported among men who have sex with men, the virus can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation. The key factor is close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person," Dr. Garg said.
#WATCH | On mpox, DGHS & Director, NCDC, Dr Atul Goel says, "It's a zoonotic disease that is generally restricted to the continent of Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This year, it has moved out of Africa and the case has been detected in Sweden due to which the WHO¡ pic.twitter.com/J4N98RoeS6
¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
Why WHO has not recommended mass vaccination
Mpox is an infection that can be prevented with vaccination, but the World Health Organization (WHO) currently does not recommend mass immunisation.
"WHO is not recommending mass vaccination, citing the limited global supply of vaccines and the generally low risk to the broader population. In a populous nation like India, the focus should be on preventive strategies, including contact and airborne transmission precautions, public health education, strengthening surveillance systems, targeted vaccination for high-risk groups, and ensuring robust healthcare response protocols to manage and contain any potential outbreaks," Dr. Garg said.
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Bobins Abraham is the Assistant News Editor at Indiatimes. He has more than twelve years of experience in TV and digital journalism. An avid student of history and geopolitics, he is a conservationist and environmentalist at heart. He writes on environment, sustainability, human-animal conflict and more.
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