Mpox Causes Symptoms, Infection & Treatment in India

Overview of Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. This virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. It is the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, but Mpox is generally considered less severe. 
 

History and Discovery

• 1958 - The virus was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark, among monkeys kept for research purposes, which is how it got its original name.
   
• 1970 - The first human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in a 9-month-old boy in Basankusu. Since then, this disease has been present in the populations of some parts of Central and West Africa.
   

Importance of Mpox Virus Awareness

Raising awareness about the Mpox virus is crucial for several reasons:
 

• Prevention of Spread - Understanding how Mpox transmission occurs helps individuals take necessary precautions to avoid infection. This includes recognizing monkeypox symptoms, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. 
   
• Early Detection and Treatment - An early detection is vital for effective Mpox treatment and early medical intervention can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
   
• Reducing Stigma - Educating the public about Mpox helps reduce stigma and discrimination against those infected.
   
• Vaccination - Informed people are more likely to participate in vaccination programs, which are essential for controlling outbreaks. 
   
• Public Health Preparedness - By informing both healthcare providers and the general public about the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures, these campaigns help us effectively fight the infection.  
   
• Global Health Security - Mpox awareness contributes to global health security by preventing the spread of the virus across borders. 
   

Factors contributing to Mpox Virus Infection 

• Skin-to-Skin Contact - Activities like hugging, touching, or playing with an infected person can spread the virus. 
   
• Sexual Contact -  Although Mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be transmitted through intimate contact.
   
• Touching Contaminated Surface - The virus can survive on surfaces and objects like bedding, towels, and eating with utensils that have been used by an infected person. 
   
• Exposed to Coughing and Sneezing - The Mpox virus can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
   
• Contact with Infected Animals - Direct contact with infected animals, such as rodents or primates, can transmit the virus to humans. 
   
• Ecological Conditions - Changes in ecological conditions, such as deforestation and urbanization, can increase human-animal interactions, raising the risk of zoonotic transmission.
   
• Lack of Vaccination - People who have not been vaccinated against smallpox or Mpox are more susceptible to infection.
   

Symptoms of Mpox Infection

Early Symptoms 

Fever - Often the first sign of infection.

Headache - Can be quite severe.

Muscle Aches - Including back pain.

Fatigue - General feeling of tiredness.

Chills  - Accompanied by shivering.

Swollen Lymph Nodes - Known as lymphadenopathy, this is a key distinguishing feature from other similar diseases.
 

Rash Development

Initial Rash - Appears 1 to 3 days after the fever starts.

Rash Locations - Commonly found on the face, hands, feet, mouth, genitalia, and eyes.

Rash Progression - The rash goes through several stages:

• Macules - Flat, discolored spots.
• Papules - Raised bumps.
• Vesicles - Bumps filled with clear fluid.
• Pustules - Bumps filled with yellowish fluid.
• Scabs - Lesions that dry up and fall off.
   

Recent Case of Monkeypox Infection in India 

India's Mpox cases have raised concerns in recent years, particularly after the country confirmed its first cases in 2022. These initial cases were largely associated with individuals who had visited countries where outbreaks occurred. Kerala and Delhi were among the first states to report infections, with common Mpox symptoms including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

To curb the virus's spread, the Indian government took some strict measures such as monitoring travel, tracing contacts, and enforcing isolation protocols. Furthermore, awareness campaigns were also launched to educate the public on preventing virus transmission. 

In 2024, India saw a few isolated cases of Mpox, again involving individuals with a history of international travel. The Ministry of Health issued guidelines emphasizing the importance of hygiene, safe contact practices, and monitoring suspected cases to prevent further outbreaks. By staying informed and following these guidelines, we can help prevent the spread of Mpox in India and protect our communities.
 

Diagnosis and Management of Mpox Virus 

Diagnosis Techniques for Mpox Virus
 

• Clinical Evaluation:

History and Physical Examination - Assess patient history for possible exposures and perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on skin and mucosal areas for characteristic rashes.

Differential Diagnosis - Consider conditions like herpes simplex, syphilis, and varicella-zoster virus infection.

• Laboratory Testing:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - It is the gold standard for detecting the Mpox virus from lesion samples. 

Viral Culture - Growing the virus in a lab setting to confirm infection. 

Serology -  Detecting antibodies against the virus in the blood. 

Electron Microscopy - Visualizing the virus particles directly. 
 

Management Techniques for Mpox Virus
 

• Infection Control:

Isolation - Isolate infected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus.

Contact Tracing - Identify and monitor individuals who have been in contact with infected patients.

• Supportive Care:

Symptomatic Treatment - Manage symptoms like fever and pain with appropriate medications.

Skin Lesion Care - Keep lesions clean and dry to prevent secondary infections.

• Antiviral Therapy:

Tecovirimat - An antiviral drug that may be used in severe cases or for patients with weakened immune systems.

• Preventive Measures:

Vaccination - Use of smallpox vaccines, which are effective against Mpox.

Public Awareness - Educate the public on hygiene practices and safe contact measures to prevent transmission.
 

Role of Medical Lab Technicians in Virus Detection and Control 
 

• Specimen Collection and Handling:

Sample Collection - Collecting blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids from patients for testing.

Proper Handling - Ensuring samples are correctly labeled, stored, and transported to maintain their integrity. 

• Laboratory Testing:

Performing Tests - Conducting various tests such as PCR, serology, and viral cultures to detect the presence of viruses.

Quality Control - Maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment to ensure accurate test results. 

• Data Analysis and Reporting:

Analyzing Results - Interpreting test results to identify viral infections.

Reporting Findings - Communicating results to healthcare providers for further diagnosis and treatment planning. 

• Infection Control:

Implementing Protocols - Following strict infection control practices to prevent contamination and spread of viruses within the lab. 

Use of PPE - Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns to protect themselves and others.

• Surveillance and Monitoring:

Disease Surveillance - Participating in public health surveillance by reporting confirmed cases to health authorities.

Monitoring Trends - Keeping track of infection trends to help in early detection and response to outbreaks.

• Education and Training:

Continuous Learning - Staying updated with the latest techniques and guidelines in virology and laboratory practices. 

Training Others - Educating new technicians and healthcare staff on proper lab procedures and safety measures. 
 

List of Top Colleges Offering Medical Laboratory Technology Course 

• Dr NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore
• ACP Group of Institute, North Delhi
• Meditech Institute of Allied Health and Sciences, South Delhi
• Medfin Institute Of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
• GD Goenka Healthcare Academy, Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi
• Global Maharashtra Institute Of Paramedical Sciences, Pune
• Uttaranchal (P.G.) College of Bio-Medical Sciences And Hospital (UCBMSH), Dehradun
• Chavan Paramedical College, Buldana
• JB Group Of Institutions, Guwahati
• Excel Institute of Health Sciences, Namakkal
• Dr NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore
• Soni Paramedical College, Varanasi

Using Docthub can help you find a suitable healthcare program and get enrolled to start a career in healthcare. 

FAQs 

1.What is Mpox?

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. 
 

2. What happens if you get infected by Mpox Virus?

Once you get infected by the Mpox virus, you will get early symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches,  Swollen Lymph Nodes, etc., which is followed by Mpox rash development. 

3. Is there a vaccine for Mpox?

Yes, there is a vaccine for Mpox. The JYNNEOS vaccine, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, is a two-dose vaccine developed to protect against both Mpox and smallpox.

4.Are there monkeypox cases in India? 

Yes, there have been recent cases of Mpox cases in India. The country reported its first confirmed case of the year on September 10, 2024. 
 

5. How does mpox work? 

Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects, causing symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash progresses from flat spots to blisters, eventually scabbing over and falling off.