After Kovid-19, the world is now in the grip of monkeypox. Although no case has been reported in India, the central and state governments are keeping a close eye on this new medical challenge. Monkeypox is spreading in Europe, North America, Israel and Australia – 100 cases of monkeypox have been identified so far.Also read – Explained the early warning signs of cancer; Blinking in the body can also be a major warning sign
What is Monkey Pox?
Monkeypox is a virus that occurs in wild animals such as rats and primates and occasionally jumps into humans. It belongs to the smallpox-like virus family. Also read – Is coffee good for you? Can it lead to cancer? Here is what the experts say
Most human cases are in Central and West Africa and outbreaks are relatively limited. Also read – Feeling dizzy in the body? Watch out for these early symptoms of cancer
The disease was first identified by scientists in 1958 when two outbreaks of a “pox-like” disease occurred in research monkeys – hence the name monkeypox. The first known human infection occurred in 1970 in a young boy in a remote part of the Congo.
What are the symptoms and how is it treated?
Monkeypox belongs to the same virus family as smallpox but it causes mild symptoms. Most patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illnesses can develop spots and sores on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
The incubation period is about five days to three weeks. Most people recover in about two to four weeks without the need for hospitalization.
Monkeypox can be fatal to one in 10 people and is thought to be more serious in children.
People exposed to the virus are often given one of the many smallpox vaccines that have been shown to be effective against monkeypox. Antiviral drugs are also being developed.
Is Monkeypox Transmitted by Sex?
It is possible, but vague at the moment.
The spread of monkeypox through sex has not been previously documented, but it can be transmitted to infected people through close contact with their body fluids and their clothing or bedsheets.
Michael Skinner, a virologist at Imperial College London, said it was too early to determine how men became infected in the UK.
“By nature, sexual activity involves intimate contact, regardless of the person’s sexual orientation and is expected to increase the likelihood of transmission, regardless of the mode of transmission,” Skinner said.
Francois Balox, of University College London, said the monkeypox said sex deserves the kind of close contact needed to transmit the disease.
The UK cases “do not indicate any recent change in the way the virus is transmitted,” Belox said.
Could it be an epidemic like Kovid?
Top US health experts say monkeypox is unlikely to cause an epidemic like Kovid-19 in the world. Dr. Fahim Yunus took to Twitter to clear the air, saying that the cases of monkeypox were relevant but that since they were not novel unlike SARS-CoV-2, the risk of an epidemic was zero percent.
Cases of monkeypox are worrisome but the risk of an epidemic like this is zero
Why? The virus:
– Not a novel …
– Not usually fatal
– Less contagious than covid
– Has been around for 5 decades
– Prevented by smallpox vaccineKeep calm people 🙂
– Faheem Younus, MD (FaheemYounus) May 23, 2022
Should India worry?
The government’s medical body – the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said there were no cases of monkeypox in the country. However, the government is keeping a close eye on the situation. The ICMR said children were at higher risk of contracting the monkeypox virus.
“Children are more susceptible to monkeypox infections. Older people will be vaccinated against smallpox. After the 1980s, people who did not get the smallpox vaccine, which gives cross-immunity to fight the infection, will be more susceptible to young people, “said ICMR scientist Dr Aparna Mukherjee.
(Includes agency inputs)
