What is Mpox?
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that originates from animals but can also affect humans. It was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred among monkeys kept for research, hence the name "monkeypox." The virus likely comes from rodents and occasionally spreads to humans. Originally, researchers primarily found Mpox in Central and West Africa, where it remained mostly contained. However, in recent years, the virus has spread to other parts of the world, causing concern among health experts.
The global spread of Mpox has made it a significant health issue, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to take action. WHO has been actively involved in tracking the spread of the virus, providing guidelines, and supporting countries in managing outbreaks to prevent a larger global crisis.
Nepal’s First Ever Case of Mpox
Nepal is on high alert following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a global outbreak of the Mpox virus. The first case in Nepal was reported in June 2023 when a 60-year-old foreign national tested positive for the virus.
Given the high mobility of the Nepali population and the large influx of tourists, Nepal is at an increased risk, particularly with the rapid spread of the infection in neighboring India. The Ministry of Health and Population has emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness to prevent the further spread of Mpox within the country.
Nepal’s Current Situation of Mpox Preparedness
While Mpox cases are increasing worldwide, there are currently no active cases in Nepal. Despite this, Nepal has taken significant steps to prepare for potential Mpox outbreaks. The government, along with international partners like WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has created a detailed plan to respond to Mpox cases. This plan includes training healthcare workers, setting up testing facilities, and ensuring that vaccines and treatments are available. Public awareness campaigns have been launched to inform people about how Mpox spreads, what symptoms to look out for, and how to protect themselves.
Nepal has enhanced its border screening processes to catch any cases early, especially among travelers coming from countries where Mpox is more common. Despite these efforts, there are still challenges, particularly in remote areas where healthcare access is limited, and people may not be as aware of the disease.
Transmission and Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox is a viral illness that can cause a range of symptoms. It's important to understand the key points about Mpox to protect yourself and others.
How is Mpox transmitted?
- Close contact: Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person. This can include skin-to-skin contact, sharing bedding or towels, or kissing.
- Contact with infected animals: In some cases, Mpox can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, such as rodents or primates.
- Contaminated materials: Mpox can also be spread through contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
- Fever: One of the earliest symptoms of Mpox is a fever.
- Headache: A headache is another common symptom.
- Muscle aches: Muscle aches and fatigue are also typical.
- Rash: A rash is a distinctive feature of Mpox. It usually starts on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash can look like pimples, blisters, or pustules.
- Other symptoms: Other possible symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, cough, and congestion.
Note: Symptoms of Mpox can vary and may not appear in all cases.
How can we prevent Mpox?
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals: If you know someone has Mpox, avoid close contact with them. This includes physical contact, sharing personal items, and staying in the same room.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming into contact with others.
- Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with Mpox, such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.
- Get vaccinated: If you are at high risk for Mpox, such as healthcare workers or people with weakened immune systems, consider getting vaccinated.
- Stay informed: Stay updated on the latest information about Mpox and follow the recommendations of public health officials.
How severe is Mpox?
Mpox severity can vary, but here are a few key points:
- Mild to Moderate Symptoms: Most cases of Mpox present with symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which are generally mild to moderate in severity.
- Potential for Severe Illness: Severe cases can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals, leading to complications such as secondary infections, respiratory issues, or encephalitis.
- Mortality Rate: The mortality rate for Mpox is relatively low, particularly when compared to other viral diseases like COVID-19. However, certain strains of the virus can have higher fatality rates, especially in vulnerable populations.
- Contagion Risk: Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, making it less contagious than airborne viruses, but still a public health concern due to its potential to cause outbreaks.
- Availability of Vaccines: Vaccines and antiviral treatments are available, which can reduce the severity of the disease and help in managing outbreaks effectively.
Is Mpox As Dangerous As Covid-19 Or Swine Flu?
While Mpox is a public health concern, it is not as dangerous as COVID-19 or Swine Flu. Here's a closer look at the reasons why:
1. Mode of Transmission:
Mpox spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. This includes direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions. In contrast, COVID-19 and Swine Flu are highly contagious respiratory diseases that spread more easily through airborne particles, making them more likely to cause widespread outbreaks.
2. Infectiousness:
Due to its mode of transmission, Mpox is less infectious than COVID-19, or Swine Flu. While COVID-19 and Swine Flu can rapidly spread in large populations, especially in densely populated areas, Mpox typically requires close or prolonged contact, reducing its ability to spread as quickly or extensively.
3. Severity of Symptoms:
The symptoms of Mpox, such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, are generally milder compared to the often severe respiratory distress caused by COVID-19 and Swine Flu. Although Mpox can lead to serious complications in certain cases, the overall severity is typically less, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals.
4. Mortality Rate:
The mortality rate for Mpox is significantly lower than that of COVID-19 or the severe strains of Swine Flu. While certain strains of Mpox can have higher fatality rates, especially in immunocompromised individuals or in regions with limited healthcare access, the availability of vaccines and treatments has helped mitigate these risks.
5. Vaccine Availability:
Unlike during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and antiviral treatments for Mpox already exist and have been shown to be effective in preventing severe cases. This contrasts with the initial stages of COVID-19 and the Swine Flu pandemic, where the lack of immediate vaccines contributed to higher mortality rates and greater public fear.
6. Global Health Concern:
Despite being less dangerous, Mpox remains a significant public health issue, particularly because it has spread to countries with no previous history of the disease. Its ability to cause severe illness in vulnerable populations, combined with the potential for localized outbreaks, requires ongoing vigilance and public health efforts to prevent its spread.
7. Public Awareness and Response:
The global response to Mpox has been informed by the lessons learned from COVID-19 and Swine Flu, leading to quicker containment efforts and public awareness campaigns. While this has helped reduce the impact of Mpox, continuous education and health measures are crucial to prevent further spread.
Conclusion
The arrival of Mpox in Nepal has highlighted the importance of strong public health systems and preparedness. While Mpox is less contagious and deadly than pandemics like COVID-19, it still poses a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations. Nepal’s proactive measures, supported by institutions like Nepal Lab House, are essential in managing and mitigating these risks. Continued public awareness, cooperation, and timely healthcare responses will be critical to preventing the spread of Mpox and protecting the country's public health.
