The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a big warning regarding monkeypox. WHO has declared it a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ (PHEIC), which is the highest level of danger.
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India has also come on alert mode in view of this danger. A meeting was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Union Health Minister, in which it was decided to take several steps as a precaution.
These steps include alerting health units at all airports, ports and border posts, keeping testing labs ready (there are currently 32 labs in the country) and keeping health facilities ready to detect any case, isolate the patient and treat it.
Let us understand why this virus is so dangerous, what are its symptoms, how many cases of this virus are there in India, what is the treatment of this virus, what are the ways to prevent this virus.
How dangerous is monkeypox?
According to a TOI report, the virus that is spreading this time is ‘Clade 1b’ which is found in Congo and is more dangerous. Its mortality rate is 3%, which is much higher than the 0.1% mortality rate of other types of monkeypox. The disease has spread to 17 African countries and many countries outside the continent.
How many cases of monkeypox in India, how much danger?
A total of 30 cases have been reported in India since 2022. The last case was reported in March 2024. The first case of monkeypox in India was reported in July 2022. According to the WHO, 99,176 cases have been reported in 116 countries around the world since 2022 and 208 people have died. Experts believe that monkeypox cases have been reported in India, but the possibility of a large outbreak is still low. Unlike many other viral diseases, monkeypox does not spread easily and requires close, continuous contact to spread.
Who is most at risk of getting monkeypox?
According to WHO, people who come into contact with a person with this virus are at risk of infection. Close contact means skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing). This also includes being face-to-face with a person with this virus (such as talking or breathing in close proximity to each other, which may produce infectious respiratory particles). People who come into contact with clothing, bedding, towels, objects, electronics and other surfaces touched by a person with this virus are also at risk.
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What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
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Common symptoms include a rash that can last 2-4 weeks. It may start with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The rash looks like blisters or sores, and may appear on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal areas. Some people develop inflammation inside the rectum (proctitis) that can cause severe pain, as well as swelling of the genitals that can make it difficult to urinate.
Can animals spread the monkeypox virus?
Some species of monkeys or land animals such as squirrels can carry the virus. The disease can be contracted by direct contact with an infected animal or its meat, by bites or scratches, or while hunting. The virus can also be spread by eating contaminated meat that is not cooked thoroughly.
What are the preventive measures against monkeypox?
- To prevent , practice good hygiene and avoid direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when needed. Do not touch wild animals, especially rodents and primates, and be cautious of sick animals.
- In areas where there is outbreak, use personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain good environmental hygiene.
- Make sure any cuts or wounds are covered and consult a doctor if you notice symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
What to do to prevent monkeypox ?
Several steps need to be taken to prevent . This includes contact tracing, isolating infected people and making people aware. Continuous monitoring and vaccination can also help prevent its spread. Timely treatment and regular monitoring can reduce the risk of a major epidemic. To prevent its spread, it is important to follow health protocols, which include isolation, hygiene and timely treatment.
Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/07/1123212
