The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an urgent advisory regarding an unprecedented Monkeypox outbreak affecting multiple countries. The advisory provides a detailed overview of the current global and national situation and offers guidance on prevention, detection, and response strategies.
Health authorities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations are urged to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and implement strong preventive measures to control the spread of Mpox. The public is advised to stay informed, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
A new Mpox clade has been identified in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring regions, including countries previously unaffected. The outbreak has now spread to all World Health Organization (WHO) regions, with 122 countries reporting a total of 99,518 confirmed cases and 208 deaths.
In Pakistan, there have been 11 confirmed cases and one death since the disease was first detected in April 2023. The WHO has declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), a designation also given in 2022.
What is Monkeypox Virus?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. While the natural reservoir remains unidentified, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) are suspected carriers. The disease typically starts with a fever followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to other body areas, progressing through stages from macules to scabs. Symptoms may also include headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 14 days, but can vary between 5 and 21 days, with the illness generally lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
