Monkeypox in India: After the death of a 22-year-old youth in Thrissur, Kerala, the monkeypox virus has created fear and panic among people. After arriving in Kerala on July 22 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hafeez, the man who contracted monkeypox, failed to report to any health facility for five days and even played football at a local ground. On July 27, he collapsed and was rushed to a local clinic and from there to hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. He died on 30 July due to an encephalitis (brain swelling) infection. Since then, health officials have been on their toes to find out if any information was withheld. State Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who is a resident of Thrissur, said that so far 21 people have been identified as primary contacts and have been quarantined.Also Read – Thailand reports third monkeypox case in Phuket. What we know
In such a case, can fliers contract monkeypox if they are on the same flight with an infected person?
The chances are slim because of the way the virus is transmitted. The virus is said to be spread through any type of close contact, including kissing, touching, oral and vaginal or anal sex with someone who has symptoms. Also Read – Monkeypox Outbreak: Dos and Don’ts to Avoid Transmission of the Viral Disease
According to the WHO, rashes, body fluids (such as fluid, pus, or blood from skin lesions), and scabs are particularly contagious. Ulcers, sores or sores can also be contagious because the virus is spread through saliva. Contact with objects that an infected person has been in contact with – such as clothing, bedding, towels – or items such as eating utensils can also cause infection. Also Read – Monkeypox scare: After issuing guidelines, Karnataka designates 2 hospitals to treat patients
Dr Manoj Sharma, Director, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine. Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj said, “Monkeypox is spread through close intimate contact during intercourse. It can be spread through oral, vaginal and anal intercourse involving touching the genitals of an infected person.
How can it be prevented?
Speaking to The Indian Express, former head of the Department of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. R Gangakhedkar emphasized that sexual activities with unknown or non-regular partners should be avoided.
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone who has monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person who has monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person who has monkeypox.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread the monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates.
- Avoid sick or dead animals.
