PAKISTAN REPORTS ASIA’S FIRST MPOX CASES; GLOBAL ALERT

Why in the news?

Pakistan’s detection of mpox cases is the first in Asia, prompting heightened airport screenings and a global health alert from WHO amid increasing international concerns.

PAKISTAN REPORTS ASIA'S FIRST MPOX CASES; GLOBAL ALERT - UPSCsource:tgov.org

About First Detection in Asia:

  • Pakistan has reported its first cases of mpox, marking the initial detection in Asia.
  • Three patients, all from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, were identified.
  • Two patients had recently arrived from the UAE; the third case is under confirmation.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency.
  • The European Union’s health agency has urged member states to prepare for potential cases following Sweden’s detection of the virus.

Health Advisory and Global Impact:

  • Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to enhance airport and border screening.
  • Federal hospitals have been instructed to implement precautionary measures.
  • Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has caused significant concern due to its contagious nature and recent outbreaks.
  • The disease, less severe than smallpox but still dangerous, has led to fatalities and is now spreading from person to person.
About Mpox (Monkeypox):

  • Nature: Viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), discovered in 1958.
  • First Report: Human cases first reported in 1970, predominantly in Africa.
  • Virus Family: Belongs to Orthopoxvirus genus, same as smallpox.
  • Types (Clades):
  • Clade I: Originated in Central Africa.
  • Clade II: Originated in West Africa.

Symptoms:

  • Common Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, pox-like rashes.
  • Duration: Symptoms last for about 2-3 weeks.
  • Complications: Can include pneumonia, secondary skin infections, confusion, eye problems.
  • May lead to death in children and those with weakened immune systems.

Transmission:

  • Animal-to-Human: Direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or lesions of infected animals; eating inadequately cooked meat from infected animals.
  • Human-to-Human: Through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, or contaminated objects; requires prolonged face-to-face contact.

Status:

  • Cases & Deaths: Over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths reported globally.
  • Recent Trend: Recent months saw almost 90% fewer cases compared to earlier months.

Treatment and Vaccine:

  • Current Treatment: Supportive care.
  • Vaccines: Vaccinia vaccine used for smallpox shows 85% efficacy; can be used in some cases.