TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The World Health Organization (WHO) on October 29, 2024, announced that it has activated the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) for the first time in response to a recent mpox outbreak, signaling an urgent response effort to control the disease across multiple regions.
EXPLANATION:
About Mpox (monkeypox):
- It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
- Monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus.
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.
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- The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- There are two known types (clades) of mpox virus one that originated in Central Africa (Clade I) and one that originated in West Africa (Clade II).
- WHO response: Mpox is declared as a public health emergency of international concern (in 2022 and 2024).
Symptoms:
- Common symptoms of mpox are a 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:
- Human-to-human transmission of mpox occurs through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, prolonged face-to-face contact, including sexual contact, and indirect contact with contaminated clothing or bedding.
Treatment:
- There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infection. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.
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