MPOX VIRUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: In response to the rapid spread of the monkeypox outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called an emergency meeting. The UN body may potentially classify the outbreak as a global emergency due to its severity.

MPOX Virus

• About: Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus.
• Belongs to: Same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
• Origins: Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, originated from a spillover event in a research facility involving monkeys in 1958.
• Sporadic Outbreaks: Mpox has been identified in sporadic outbreaks among humans since the initial event in 1958.
• Genetic Adaptations: Mpox lineages have been circulating in humans, evolving through mutations modulated by APOBEC proteins.
• Virus Type: There are two main types of Monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II.

oClade I is endemic to Central Africa and is associated with more severe illness and higher mortality rates.

• Clade II is endemic to West Africa and generally causes less severe infections.
• Global Outbreak: The global outbreak of mpox in 2022-2023 affected over 118 countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a public health emergency.
• Causes: It is  a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
• Transmission: 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.
• Symptoms: It usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
• Treatment: Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection.
• Vaccines: Three vaccines, initially developed for smallpox, have been approved for mpox prevention: MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac.