The Ministry of Health has issued a warning about the potential risk of Mpox (Monkeypox) in Nepal, following the rapid spread of the new “Clade 1B” variant in the African country of Congo.
Last year, Nepal confirmed a case of Mpox in a 60-year-old foreign woman, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to the disease. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
The Mpox variant circulating globally is considered more contagious and deadly than previous strains. Experts warn that the disease can spread rapidly across continents, even to countries thousands of kilometers away from the initial outbreak.
Dr. Chumanlal Das, a former director of the Department of Health Services Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), emphasized the importance of surveillance, sample testing, and public awareness to prevent the spread of Mpox. He called for increased monitoring of individuals arriving from affected countries and recommended immediate testing for suspected cases.
The Ministry of Health has established a call center (1115) to provide information about Mpox and has alerted health desks at border crossings and relevant agencies. Hospitals and doctors in all provinces have been appointed to diagnose and manage the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global health emergency. The virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person and can cause severe symptoms, including fever, headache, rash, and in some cases, death.
The EDCD director, Dr. Yaduchandra Ghimire, urged the public to be aware of the initial symptoms of Mpox, which are similar to a seasonal cold. He also highlighted the potential for complications such as brain fever, vision loss, pneumonia, and miscarriage in severe cases.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the Ministry of Health recommends several measures, including isolation of infected individuals, proper hygiene practices, and avoidance of contact with sick animals.
The Mpox virus was first identified in 1958 in caged monkeys in Denmark. Since then, it has spread to humans and animals in various African countries. The first human case was confirmed in Congo in 1970.
