What is the news?

 

• • In a significant breakthrough for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first-ever diagnostic test for monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease that has emerged as a global health concern.

• • The new diagnostic test promises faster detection, aiding in timely isolation and treatment to prevent the spread of the virus. As monkeypox gains attention due to its increasing cases in both endemic and non-endemic regions, it’s essential to understand the virus’s history, its impact, and how this new test will change the landscape of its management.

 

What is Monkeypox?

 

• • Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted from animals to humans. While monkeypox is related to smallpox, it is generally less severe, though still capable of causing significant outbreaks.

 

Symptoms of Monkeypox:

 

• • The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to, though milder than, smallpox. The disease starts with fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by the appearance of a rash. The rash typically begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. It eventually turns into lesions that scab over before falling off. The symptoms last for 2 to 4 weeks, and while most cases resolve without severe complications, monkeypox can be deadly in some instances, especially among children and immunocompromised individuals.

 

The Origin and History of Monkeypox

 

Discovery of the Virus

 

• • Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in Copenhagen, Denmark. Although it was initially observed in monkeys, the primary reservoir of the virus is thought to be rodents, not primates. The virus’s name, “monkeypox,” is a misnomer derived from this initial discovery among laboratory monkeys.

 

First Human Case

 

• • The first recorded case of monkeypox in humans occurred in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during the era when smallpox eradication efforts were underway. A young child was diagnosed with a smallpox-like illness, but laboratory tests confirmed it was a separate viral infection—monkeypox. Since then, most human cases of monkeypox have been concentrated in Central and West African countries, especially in rural areas with close human-animal interactions.

 

Spread and Transmission

 

• • Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, such as rodents and non-human primates, or through consumption of bushmeat. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, and contaminated materials like bedding and clothing.

• • The virus’s geographic spread was mostly limited to Africa until 2003, when an outbreak occurred in the United States, marking the first instance of monkeypox in the Western Hemisphere. The outbreak was linked to infected prairie dogs that had been in contact with imported Gambian rats from Ghana. This incident underlined the virus’s potential for global transmission through the wildlife trade.

 

Increasing Global Concern: 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak

 

• • Monkeypox remained relatively obscure outside Africa until the unprecedented 2022 outbreak. Starting in May 2022, cases of monkeypox were reported in Europe, North America, and other regions where the virus was previously not endemic.

• • The WHO declared the 2022 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July, urging countries to take action. Over 80 countries reported cases, totaling more than 50,000 infections globally. This outbreak exposed gaps in public health systems’ readiness to contain zoonotic diseases that have the potential for cross-border transmission.

 

Key Milestones in Monkeypox’s History

 

• • 1958: Monkeypox virus discovered in laboratory monkeys in Denmark.
  • 1970: First human case reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • 1980s-1990s: Sporadic cases reported in Central and West Africa, with increasing concerns over animal reservoirs.
  • 2003: First outbreak outside Africa occurred in the U.S. due to infected pet prairie dogs.
  • 2022: Largest global outbreak, leading to the WHO declaring monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

 

The Importance of WHO’s Approval of a Diagnostic Test

Significance of Diagnostic Testing

 

• • Diagnosing monkeypox has been a significant challenge, particularly in non-endemic areas where healthcare providers may not be familiar with the disease. Until the WHO’s approval of the new diagnostic test, healthcare professionals had to rely on less specific methods such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing for orthopoxviruses, which detect a broader range of viruses, including smallpox and cowpox.

 

The approval of a dedicated diagnostic test will allow for more:

 

• • Accurate and early detection: Faster identification of monkeypox cases allows for timely isolation and treatment, curbing the spread of the virus.

• • Improved surveillance: Enhanced testing capacities will provide better epidemiological data, helping public health officials understand and respond to outbreaks.

• • Efficient resource allocation: By distinguishing monkeypox from other diseases with similar symptoms, resources can be better directed to treat the disease effectively.

 

Features of the New Test

 

• • The new diagnostic test, while not fully detailed in the WHO’s announcement, is expected to offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity for monkeypox. This marks a leap forward in the global response to monkeypox, ensuring that health workers can rapidly and accurately diagnose the infection, particularly in outbreak scenarios.

 

Global Efforts to Combat Monkeypox

 

Vaccination Efforts

• • Although there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, vaccines developed for smallpox (such as Jynneos and ACAM2000) offer protection against monkeypox, as both diseases are caused by similar viruses. During the 2022 outbreak, some countries ramped up vaccination efforts to control the virus’s spread.

 

Public Health Interventions

In response to the 2022 outbreak, many countries strengthened public health interventions, including:

 

• • Isolation of infected individuals to prevent human-to-human transmission.
  • Public awareness campaigns to inform communities about symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
  • Travel advisories to reduce the risk of international spread.

 

Conclusion:

 

• • The WHO’s approval of the first diagnostic test for monkeypox is a landmark event in the fight against the disease, representing a crucial tool for curbing future outbreaks. Monkeypox, once confined to remote parts of Africa, has now become a global health issue. With a history spanning over six decades, the virus has evolved from a rare zoonotic infection to a disease with significant pandemic potential. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities, combined with improved surveillance and vaccination efforts, will be key in preventing monkeypox from becoming a long-term global health threat.

• • As global health authorities continue to monitor and respond to monkeypox outbreaks, the development of specific diagnostic tools marks an important step towards improving our preparedness for zoonotic diseases in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

• • Monkeypox, first discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Primarily found in Central and West Africa, it is transmitted from animals to humans through contact with infected wildlife like rodents and non-human primates. Human-to-human transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials such as bedding.
• • Historically, monkeypox cases were sporadic, with occasional outbreaks in endemic areas. The virus gained international attention in 2003 when an outbreak occurred in the United States. However, it wasn’t until 2022, with an unprecedented global outbreak, that monkeypox became a public health emergency. Cases were reported in Europe, North America, and other regions, highlighting gaps in global health preparedness and surveillance.
• • The World Health Organization’s approval of the first specific diagnostic test for monkeypox in 2024 is a significant milestone. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is critical to controlling the spread of the virus. The test will enhance detection, allowing healthcare systems to manage outbreaks more effectively. It will also improve surveillance, providing critical epidemiological data to monitor the virus’s spread. This development is a vital step towards improving global health security, especially in response to emerging zoonotic diseases like monkeypox.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

• • Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted from animals to humans, and they pose significant challenges to global public health. Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus, exemplifies the complexity of zoonotic diseases. Originating from animal reservoirs, particularly rodents, it can jump to humans through direct contact, leading to outbreaks with significant public health implications. With increasing human-animal interactions, zoonotic diseases have the potential for widespread outbreaks, as demonstrated by the global monkeypox outbreak in 2022.
• • Zoonotic diseases impact public health systems by overwhelming healthcare infrastructure, especially when they spread rapidly in non-endemic regions. They demand quick identification, isolation of cases, and robust surveillance mechanisms, all of which strain healthcare resources. Additionally, zoonotic diseases often spread in areas with limited healthcare access, complicating containment efforts.
• • Preparedness and response to zoonotic diseases require multi-faceted strategies. First, strengthening healthcare systems to improve early detection and response capabilities is crucial. WHO’s approval of the first diagnostic test for monkeypox is a major step in improving response efficiency. Second, public awareness campaigns about zoonotic diseases can help mitigate transmission risks. Third, fostering global collaboration for research into zoonotic viruses, vaccines, and treatments will ensure a more coordinated response. Finally, controlling wildlife trade and regulating human encroachment into animal habitats are essential to prevent zoonotic spillovers, reducing the likelihood of future outbreaks.
• • These measures, combined with a proactive public health approach, are vital for managing the growing threat of zoonotic diseases.

 

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.