Monkeypox Outbreak 2022: Monkeypox is an infectitious disease that takes place through zoonosis which means it can spread from animals to humans, also can spread from a person to another. The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus which belong to the same family of smallpox and has almost similar symptoms.
Total of 4 cases have reported in India so far. One from Delhi tested positive have no history of foreign travel and the other three cases are reported from Kerela.
World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as Public Health Emergency of international concern to avoid further transmission. WHO has mentioned monkeypox to be non-contagious in nature as infections take place by coming in very close contact with the infected ones.
Symptoms:
Monkeypox disease can cause varied symptoms, from mild to severe. Persons with weaker immune system, children and pregnant women are at higher risks of monkeypox virus.
The most common symptoms of monkeypox include-
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy and fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rashes that lasts up to three weeks which can be found in face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body which can be itchy or painful.
Period of Infection:
The symptoms usually last for two to three weeks and disappears on its own or if severe needs medical attention. It is not considered as fatal, but according to WHO reports between 1 % to 10% people have died of monkeypox. But the deaths could have been for many factors like access to health care facilities, proper medication on proper time etc.
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How the virus spreads:
Monkeypox can be spread to people through infected humans or animals. One can get infected by the virus by coming in close contact with infected persons’ body fluids, respiratory droplets, lesions, bedding, objects and surfaces touched by the infected.
The virus can also spread from someone who is pregnant to the fetus, post birth with skin contact or close contact between parent and infant or child.
According to WHO reports, there are cases of asymptomatic infection as well. But no confirmation is out, whether asymptomatic patients can spread the disease or not.
Who is at higher risks?
Children, pregnant women and people with immune deficiencies are at very higher risks of moneypox. Health workers are also at very higher risk of getting infected with the virus. People with travel history are also reported to have infections of monkeypox.
Vaccination:
WHO has declared that the vaccine for smallpox may also be useful for monkeypox. It is also recommended that only people who are at higher risk should be vaccinated. Mass vaccination is not necessary as of now as per reports from WHO.
Precautions:
- Do not come in close contact with infected persons.
- Avoid uncooked or inadequately cooked meats or animal products.
- Social distancing should be maintained as per convenience.
- Avoid using same objects or surfaces used by infected ones.
