The rapid spread of a new strain of mpox, formerly called monkeypox, triggered the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ in August. The viral disease, which has mainly affected Africa, has also been reported in other countries. India reported its first mpox case last week, although it was declared an isolated case with no link to the new strain of the virus. 

Mpox is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals like monkeys to humans. Similarly, other zoonotic diseases have also affected public health in recent times. Nipah, Zika and Chandipura viruses, which wreaked havoc in India and other parts of the world in the past few months, can all spread from animals to humans. Cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have also been reported in humans.