– The Union Health Ministry has stated that the strain of monkeypox virus in circulation in Africa is virulent with a 3% death rate.
– The chances of the virus spreading to India from Africa are considered moderate, and hospitals and doctors have been alerted to report any cases immediately.
– The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the virus in Africa.
– Monkeypox infections are usually self-limiting, lasting 2-4 weeks, and transmission requires prolonged close contact with an infected person.
– Since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to monkeypox globally, with 30 cases detected in India.