Children are often more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. Below are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox virus a global health emergency. Most cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were detected in children. This infectious disease is reportedly caused by the monkeypox virus and can be more severe in children and pregnant women. “It is part of the same virus family as smallpox, a more serious disease that was eradicated in the 1980s. A new variant of Mpox virus (clade Ib) is causing concern due to its potential for wider transmission among age groups, including young children,” reads a WHO statement.
However, it is essential to take preventative measures to protect your health. Below are five effective ways to help prevent MPOX infection in children.
5 tips to reduce the risk of Mpox in children
- Promote hand hygiene: Encouraging regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections, including mpox. Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces, using the bathroom, or before meals. Maintaining overall health and hygiene is also critical.
- Avoid close contact: Children should avoid close contact with people who may be sick or have symptoms of mpox, such as rash or fever. Encourage them to keep a safe distance from anyone who has been diagnosed with the infection. Also, remind them not to share personal items, such as towels, utensils, or clothing, as the virus can spread through direct contact.
- Symptom Awareness: Educating children about the symptoms of mpox can help them recognize potential infections early. Symptoms may include fever, chills, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection can lead to prompt medical attention, reducing the risk of spreading the infection.
- Limit exposure to animals: Mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans. Children should avoid contact with wild animals or any animal that appears sick.
- Healthy diet: An immune-boosting diet is essential to foster a strong and healthy immune system. Weak immunity in children makes them more prone to such infections. Therefore, it is essential to focus on a diet rich in vitamin C, protein, fiber, and nutrient-dense foods.
Mpox Symptoms
- Persistent high fever
- Rash or skin lesions
- Body pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Mpox can be transmitted from animals to people, between people, and from the environment to people. The virus can spread through contact with infectious skin lesions or body fluids, contaminated personal items, infected animals, etc.
Contact with contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding, or sharp objects, injuries in healthcare settings
First case of Mpox in India
This year, the first case of Mpox was detected in a man in Delhi. The Mpox patient admitted to LNJP Hospital is stable, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Tuesday. The 26-year-old patient, a resident of Hisar in Haryana, has only genital ulcers and rashes but no fever, a health department official said. The patient has been admitted to the hospital’s disaster management ward, according to a health department statement.
Bharadwaj stressed that there is no need to panic over mpox as it spreads through contact, not through the air. As per PTI reports, the Union Health Ministry on Monday said that it was an “isolated case” and there was no immediate risk to the public.
