There is a suspected case of Mpox in India and it is yet to be isolated. While the tests have been sent to the labs, here is what you need to know about the first steps you should take in case you contract the Mpox virus.
A man is suspected to have tested positive for mpox. However, it is yet to be confirmed through laboratory tests. According to the Union Health Ministry, the man, who recently travelled from abroad, has been isolated and is currently stable. “The case is being managed as per laid down protocols and contact tracing is being done to identify possible sources and assess the impact within the country,” the ministry said. The development of this case is consistent with the earlier risk assessment done by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and there is no cause for undue concern, it said.
When we get hurt, what we look for is first aid. The first steps to take in case of injury. Having awareness can help in diagnosing and treating illnesses. In case of MPOX, here are some basics to review and a list of protocols to follow when infected with the virus.
0 Mpox in India: 5 basic preventive measures to take after getting infected
- Isolation: If a person is suspected of carrying the mpox virus, they should be isolated immediately to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
- Immediate medical attention:The person should be taken to the doctor immediately. After proper diagnosis, samples will be sent to designated laboratories for full confirmatory testing.
- Hygiene: This is one of the most important aspects of preventing the spread of the MPOX virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or objects that they have touched. Therefore, wash your hands, keep your distance, and maintain proper personal hygiene. This applies to both the patient and the caregiver.
- Healthy diet: Diet plays a vital role in recovery from any illness or health problem. Make sure your diet incorporates a selection of nutrient-dense and healthy foods rich in protein, vitamin C, probiotics, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Rest and hydrate: Exhaustion is a prominent symptom of MPOX, combined with other important signs. It is important for the body to get plenty of rest for a faster recovery. In addition, keeping the body hydrated helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
Key symptoms of Mpox
- Persistent high fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Shivers
- Skin lesions
- Backache
- Exhaustion
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms usually last between 2 and 4 weeks, but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
A suspected Mpox case in India: Should we be worried?
The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel-related cases and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risks, the ministry added. There is no cause for concern so far, according to the ministry. The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time last month in view of its prevalence and spread in many parts of Africa.
Since WHO declared PHEIC in 2022, 30 cases of mpox have been reported in India. The last case of mpox was detected in March this year. The number of mpox cases reported so far this year has surpassed last year’s total, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.
Mpox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms similar to those observed in the past in patients with smallpox, although clinically less severe.
According to officials, MPOX infections are usually self-limiting and last between two and four weeks. Patients with MPOX usually recover with treatment and supportive medical care.
Transmission of the disease occurs through close and prolonged contact with an infected person. It occurs mainly through sexual contact, direct contact with the patient’s bodily fluid or lesion, or through contaminated clothing or bedding of an infected person.
