Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has expressed concern about the potential risk of the country suffering a monkeypox (Mpox) infection outbreak. The rapid spread of the disease in neighboring India has raised this apprehension, as Nepal’s proximity makes it particularly vulnerable. According to ministerial spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, measures for proactive containment and prevention are already in motion.
Last year, a monkeypox virus diagnosis was confirmed in a 60-year-old foreign female residing in Nepal, shedding light on the potential threat. Following this, the Ministry held consultations with relevant health experts to devise effective counteractive measures.
Health desks have been established along the air and border transit points, and local, provincial, and federal entities have received directives to maintain heightened alertness regarding potential infection risk. They have been instructed to take appropriate measures proactively.
In addition, the Ministry has assigned hospitals and doctors across all seven provinces of the country, preparing them for the prevention and management of the potential monkeypox outbreak.
The monkeypox virus has been causing anguish in the African nation of Congo. The country has been grappling with a lethal variant, Clade 1b, which has led to the unfortunate demise of 548 individuals since January this year. In light of the serious implications, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a health emergency necessitating swift global action.
The Mpox virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal, contact with the rash or scabs of an infected person, or through sharing personal items, such as clothing or bedding. Initial symptoms include fever, skin rash and bumps, headaches, muscle aches, bone aches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Complications can range from loss of eyesight and pneumonia to brain fever, miscarriages in pregnant women, and even death.
The Ministry has solicited active engagement from the civic level, urging the adoption of stringent health protocols to mitigate the risk. This move underlines the importance of community readiness and cooperation in preventing the spread of such infectious diseases.