Mpox Alert: A Virus on the move

The mpox caused by monkeypox virus, first identified in monkeys in year 1959, is recently declared as PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of  International Concern) by WHO. Mpox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus that now infects humans. It's similar to smallpox, although with notable lower mortality. Cases have emerged in Central and West Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. More than 16,000 infected and 500 deaths have been reported so far in just Congo Region in 2024. Symptoms include body rash, swollen lymph-nodes, exhaustion, fever and chills. It is communicable and can transmit through direct contact with infected humans, animals, or contaminated materials.

WHO's report on mpox :- https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox#tab=tab_1