TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT: The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first Mpox diagnostic test for emergency use for early diagnosis to enable timely treatment, care, and virus control.
EXPLANATION:
About Mpox:
- Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It has two distinct variants namely clade I and clade II.
- It was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Mpox spreads through close contact like skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin interactions, as well as face-to-face contact (talking).
- WHO declared Mpox, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) twice, the first time in May 2022 and the second time in August 2024.
- The first Mpox cases were reported in India in 2022.
What are Zoonotic diseases?
- These are infections that are spread between people and animals.
- These infections are caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
- Some can be severe and life-threatening, such as rabies, and others may be milder and get better on their own.
Symptoms:
- Skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission:
- It can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
Prevention:
- Mpox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with someone who has mpox. Vaccination, including the JYNNEOS® vaccine, can help protect those at risk.
Treatment:
- Persons with mpox should be isolated. Several antivirals, such as tecovirimat, have been used to treat mpox, and further studies are underway
Additional information
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health
- Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide
- The WHO was established on 7 April 1948
o Objective as “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health”
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