Everything You Need to Know About Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus and Its Transmission in Nepal

Last updated on August 20th, 2024 at 05:00 pm

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a highly infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that has similar symptoms to smallpox, but it’s less severe, according to WHO. The first outbreaks occurred in monkey colonies in 1958, but to date, despite being named “monkeypox” originally, the source of the disease remains unknown. 

Symptoms and mode of transmission

Mpox causes symptoms that usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure.

​​Common symptoms of Mpox are:

• a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks 
• Fever,
• Headache,
• muscle aches, 
• back pain, 
• low energy, and
• swollen lymph nodes.

While most people get well within 2-4 weeks, severe complications may be noted, especially with those with a weakened immune system.

Mpox is transmitted via close contact with skin lesions of an infected person, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like bedding. The transmission may also originate from animals to human beings by means of bites, scratches, or contact with the infected animal. 

Person-to-person transmission of mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on genitals; this includes contact which is

• face-to-face (talking or breathing)
• skin-to-skin (touching or vaginal/anal sex)
• mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
• mouth-to-skin contact (oral sex or kissing the skin)
• respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact. 

Global Health Emergency Declared

The World Health Organization declared Mpox as a global public health emergency due to its fast transmission. This is the second time the UN health body has declared mpox a global health emergency in just two years, after the virus spread alarmingly in African continents and is at risk of entering other continents. As said to be reported worldwide, there have been more than 87,000 cases with 112 deaths, as of 2024. 

In Africa alone, around this year, there have been reports of over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths, while the instances were altogether very low in the past.

High Alert for Mpox in Nepal

Nepal is on high alert after the declaration of global outbreak of Mpox virus by the WHO. The first case of mpox in Nepal was reported last June when a 60-year-old foreign national tested positive. 

With the high degree of mobility in the Nepali population and the large influx of tourists, the country faces a greater threat, especially now that there is rapid infection occurring in neighboring India. (Source: The Ministry of Health and Population)

Preventive Measures for Mpox (Monkeypox)

In order to prevent the spread of Mpox, it is important to avoid direct contact with people with mpox, in particular contact with their skin lesions or contaminated materials, such as their bedding. Following good hand hygiene measures like washing your hands regularly using soap and running water, or rubbing hand sanitizer on your hands. 

In case of sickness with symptoms that might be mpox, search for a health professional quickly, and keep away from others to stop the spread of mpox in case you have it. Caregivers of people infected with mpox must use PPE that includes gloves and masks. 

In addition, avoid contact with animals in which the virus may be hosted. Furthermore, it advises immunization for groups at risk for their protection against the infection.

According to public health experts, self-isolation and good hygiene practices will help in reducing the risk of infection that one is exposed to from contracting Mpox. 

Conclusion

Mpox represents a severe, emerging viral disease risk globally, including Nepal. Hence, awareness regarding its symptoms, mode of transmission, and preventive measures against its spread is very crucial. 

Public health measures, combined with vaccination efforts, can contribute substantially to containing mpox spread to prevent further disease outbreaks.

References

World Health Organization. (2024). Monkeypox (mpox) Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Mpox: About the Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.html
The Himalayan Times. (2024). Nepal at risk of mpox infection, Ministry expects cooperation from civic level. Retrieved from https://thehimalayantimes.com/health/nepal-at-risk-of-mpox-infection-ministry-expects-cooperation-from-civic-level
The Kathmandu Post. (2024). Nepal on high alert after WHO declares global mpox emergency. Retrieved from https://kathmandupost.com/health/2024/08/16/nepal-on-high-alert-after-who-declares-global-mpox-emergency