WHO: Monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Science and Technology: Health

Source: IE

Context: The WHO has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, with 99,176 cases and 208 deaths reported across 116 countries since 2022. It has been declared a global PHEIC for the second time in two years.

What is Monkeypox?

Mpox (monkeypox) is a DNA virus from the Poxviridae family, first identified in monkeys in 1958. It spreads from animals to humans through direct contact, and symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that appears within two days of fever onset. First detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new clade (new strain of the virus), primarily spread through sexual contact, is causing concern due to its rapid spread. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, including skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Testing is done via PCR. The outbreak, particularly in Africa, has prompted a global health emergency.

Smallpox, Chickenpox, and Monkeypox difference:

• Smallpox: Caused by the Variola virus, it was highly severe and often fatal. It spread through respiratory droplets and contact, but it was eradicated in 1980.

• Chickenpox: Caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, it is mild and common in children. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contact with lesions. Vaccination has reduced its prevalence.

• Monkeypox (Mpox): Caused by the Monkeypox virus, it is milder than smallpox and rarely fatal. It spreads through contact with infected animals or fluids and is endemic in parts of Africa.

What is Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

It is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 when an outbreak is unusual, poses a risk of international spread, and may require immediate global action. IHR is a binding agreement involving 196 countries. Since 2009, WHO has declared seven PHEICs, including the H1N1 pandemic, polio, Ebola, Zika, COVID-19, and Mpox.

Three Criteria for declaring:

• The spread is an” Extraordinary Event”

• It “Constitutes a Public Health Risk” to other States through the international spread of disease

• It potentially requires a coordinated International Response

Why Mpox has been declared as PHEIC?

Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid and unusual global spread, the emergence of new viral strains, and the potential for widespread international transmission.

How does PHEIC declaration help?

A PHEIC declaration helps by alerting the global community to take coordinated action, enhancing international collaboration, mobilizing resources, and implementing measures to prevent the spread of a health threat across borders.

Monkeypox (Mpox) cases in India:

It has been relatively limited, with cases first reported in 2022. As of now, there have been at least 27 laboratory-confirmed cases and one death. Initial cases were reported in Kerala from individuals with a history of international travel, and later cases were detected in Delhi among those without travel history. The prevalence remains low, but vigilance is required due to the potential for spread through international travel and contact with infected individuals.

Mains Link:

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020)

Prelims Link:

The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC 2021)

(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants

(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system

(d) spread of viral diseases

Ans: (d)

Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC 2019)

Genetic predisposition of some people

Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases

Using antibiotics in livestock farming

Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Tags:

Key Words: Monkeypox, Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)