Can Mpox become the new Covid? Here’s how the infection is spreading in the current outbreak – The Times of India

HomeMonkey PoxCan Mpox become the new Covid? Here’s how the infection is spreading in the current outbreak – The Times of India
August 18, 2024

A deadly new strain of mpox that emerged in Central Africa has spread in the continent and beyond. This year's major outbreak started with Democratic Republic of Congo - killing at least 450 people - and spread to other areas in Central and East Africa. The Clade 1B strain that is behind the current outbreak is now spreading its wings to countries outside Africa. Sweden and Pakistan recorded their first cases of the highly infectious form of mpox, earlier known as monkeypox . The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, which is the highest level of alarm under international health law. Before that Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had declared a public health emergency for the continent.

The last time mpox was declared a global health emergency was in the year 2022. There are two main strains of the virus, known as Clade I and Clade II. The 2022 outbreak was caused by clade II, which is endemic in West Africa. The WHO's decision was made after mpox spread to a dozen other African countries, fearing the virus may wreak havoc globally.

Animals to humans

"Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact, including intimate or sexual contact, with a person who has mpox. This includes touching, hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils and clothing. Additionally, mpox can spread through contact with contaminated materials, such as bedding, towels, or surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, says Dr Nasiruddin G, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road. Dr Laxman Jessani, Consultant Infectious Diseases Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai explains how mpox human-to-human transmission happens:

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency | Mpox Explained

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Can Mpox become the new Covid? Here's how the infection is spreading in the current outbreak - The Times of India

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