Context

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine has directed airport health and port health officials to remain on high alert.

Key Highlights

• This arrangement has been made specifically for travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African countries.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox – a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus – a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

 What is Mpox?

• Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare viral zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to humans. It causes a disease similar to smallpox but is usually less severe.
• Nomenclature: it is named Monkeypox, because the disease was first discovered in Macaca monkeys in Denmark in 1958. However, the disease is also found in rats and other small mammals in many countries in Africa.

How is monkeypox spread?

• From animals to humans: Through bites, scratches or body fluids from infected animals.
• From humans to humans: Through direct contact with an infected person's wounds, body fluids or contaminated objects (such as bedding or clothing).
• Breathing: Through prolonged close contact with an infected person.

Symptoms:

• The symptoms of Mpox are similar to those of smallpox - Fever, Headache, Fatigue, Swollen Lymph Nodes, Muscle Pain, Chills and Rashes on body

Is there any vaccine available for Mpox?

• There are vaccines available for Mpox like the 'JYNNEOS vaccine'. But, they are not available in India, experts suggest that people who get vaccinated against smallpox or chickenpox are immune to Mpox as well.

 Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)  

• It is a serious global health crisis, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• It is a situation when a disease or health hazard spreads so rapidly that it crosses the borders of one or more countries and endangers the health of people in many parts of the world.

Why is an international health emergency declared?

• Rapid spread of disease: When a disease spreads very quickly and becomes difficult to control.
• Crossing international borders: When a disease spreads from one country to another and poses a threat to global health.
• Emergency: When immediate and coordinated, international action is needed to deal with the situation.