Mpox RT-PCR Kit: Mpox cases are rising around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about it and declared a public health emergency on August 14, 2024. This is the second time in two years that WHO has called it a health emergency due to the new, more contagious strain (Clad-1) of the virus, which has a higher death rate.
India’s New Mpox Test Kit
In response to the growing Mpox infections, India has developed its first domestic RT-PCR kit for detecting Mpox. This new kit can provide accurate results in just 40 minutes, while current tests take one to two hours. The kit has been developed by Siemens Healthineers.
Availability of the Mpox Detection Kit
People are asking when this kit will be available. Although there is no exact date yet, it will be available soon. The kit is called the IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay and will be made at the Molecular Diagnostics Unit in Vadodara. Around one million kits will be produced each year.
Significance for “Make in India”
Siemens Healthcare Pvt Ltd said this is a major achievement for the “Make in India” initiative. The kit has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The WHO has declared Mpox a global health emergency, and this is the second time since July 2022.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, formerly known as Monkeypox. It is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus and appears on the skin as small, pimple-like structures.
How Mpox Spreads
- Direct Contact: The virus can spread through direct contact between people.
- Physical Contact: It can spread through physical relations with an infected person.
- Blood and Body Fluids: The virus can spread through the exchange of blood or body fluids from an infected person.
- Shared Items: Sharing items like bed sheets, glasses, or utensils with an infected person can also spread the virus.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after infection and include:
- Fever: Sudden high fever.
- Chills and Headache: Feeling cold and having a headache.
- Muscle Pain: Pain in muscles and joints.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired and weak.
- Skin Rash: Rashes typically appear on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body, turning into small pimples, scabs, and sores.
Causes of Mpox
Mpox infection occurs from contact with the Mpox virus, including:
- Infected Animals: Contact with infected animals like rats or squirrels.
- Infected People: Contact with someone who has Mpox.
- Contaminated Items: Using items that have been contaminated.
Prevention Tips
- Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with animals.
- Avoid Infected Animals: Stay away from animals that look sick.
- Avoid Infected People: Stay away from people showing Mpox symptoms.
- Seek Medical Advice: Get medical help and proper treatment if symptoms appear.
