2022–2023 mpox outbreak in India

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2022–2023 mpox outbreak in India
Disease[[Mpox|Mpox]]
Virus strain[[Monkeypox virus|Monkeypox virus]]
Origin[[|{{{origin}}}]]
This disease outbreak related article is a stub.


The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in India refers to the spread of the Monkeypox virus in India during the years 2022 and 2023. This outbreak is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that affected multiple countries worldwide.

Background[edit | edit source]

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus is endemic to Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including India.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

The first case of mpox in India was reported in July 2022. The patient, a traveler from the Middle East, was diagnosed in the state of Kerala. Following this, several other cases were reported across different states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

The outbreak in India was characterized by human-to-human transmission, primarily through close contact with infected individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India closely monitored the situation, implementing measures to control the spread of the virus.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

The clinical presentation of mpox in India was consistent with that observed in other regions. Symptoms included fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that often began on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progressed through several stages, including macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.

Public Health Response[edit | edit source]

The Indian government, in collaboration with international health organizations, initiated several public health measures to contain the outbreak. These included:

  • Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems were put in place to identify and trace contacts of confirmed cases.
  • Vaccination: Although there is no specific vaccine for mpox, the smallpox vaccine was used in some cases due to its cross-protective effect against mpox.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Information campaigns were launched to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox and preventive measures.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The mpox outbreak in India had significant implications for public health, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and response systems for emerging infectious diseases. The outbreak also underscored the importance of international collaboration in managing global health threats.

Also see[edit | edit source]




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