– The strain of monkeypox virus currently circulating in Africa has a death rate of 3%, compared to 0.1% for the less virulent strain.
– The Union Health Ministry in India believes the chances of the virus spreading to India are moderate, but hospitals and doctors have been alerted to report any cases immediately.
– The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time, noting a rapid increase in infections in Africa.
– Monkeypox infections are usually self-limiting and transmission requires prolonged close contact with an infected person.
– Since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths from monkeypox globally.
– India has had 30 reported cases of monkeypox since 2022, with the last case in March 2024.