WHO declared the Monkeypox as a Global Emergency

Bongaigaon Times: 24/07/2022: The World Health Organization declared the growing monkeypox outbreak as a global health emergency on 23th July 2022. There have been more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox in more than 75 countries, and 5 deaths in Africa.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

It is a poxvirus, related to smallpox and cowpox. It is generally causing pimple or blister like lesions and flu like symptoms such as fever. It is a mild infection which comes from the wild fierce African animals. The disease was first detected in the year 1958 when two of monkeys kept for examination. It was at that time that this disease got termed as “Monkeypox” as reported by the US centers for disease control and prevention (CDC). Monkeypox was first detected in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

HOW HUMANS GET INFECTED?

This disease can pass on to humans if one consumes the diseased animal without properly cooking or comes in the contact with the infected animal’s blood or get bitten by a monkeypox infected animal.

The disease can be transmitted among human beings by getting in contact with the clothing, bedding or towels used by the infected person who has rashes, skin blisters or scabs. The cough and sneeze droplets of the infected person can also contaminable. The virus is also suspected to be sexually transmissible as reported by the experts.

SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX:

The latency period of the virus is 21 days after which the symptoms start arising. The symptoms of monkeypox are:

· Fever
· Headache
· Muscle pain
· Swollen lymph nodes
· Chills
· Exhaustion

A rash that can look like a pimple or blister that appears on the face, inside mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

MONKEYPOX A DEADLY DISEASE?

As reported by the WHO, places like central Africa having insufficient Health Care facilities, 1 in 10 infected people die if they are prone to the virus. However, in most of the cases patients recover within a span of 2 to 4 weeks.

TREATMENT FOR MONKEYPOX VIRUS:

There is no specific treatment which has been discovered for the monkeypox virus. It is medically advised for the patients to stay isolated in a hospital. Smallpox vaccines are used in the US for monkeypox patients which are 85% effective. Antivirus and vaccinia immune globulin are also proven to be curable for the monkeypox patients.

MEASURES TO PREVENT MONKEYPOX:

· Avoid contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals)
· Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus
· Thoroughly cook all foods that contained animal meat or parts.
· WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and water.
· Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
· Practice safe sex, including the use of condom and dental dams.
· WEAR A MASK that covers your mouth and nose when around others.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
· Use of PPE kit when taking care of the infected person.

The transmission was occurring in many countries that had not reported any cases earlier and the highest numbers are from countries in the European region and the region of the Americas.

Males are currently getting more infected by the virus and most of the cases occur among males who find themselves as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), in urbans areas and are clustered in social and sexual networks.

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Deborika Bhattacharjee,

Content Writer,

BONGAIGAON TIMES