New Delhi: The monkeypox virus can live on some household items, including beds, blankets, coffee machines, computer mice and others, according to a recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Also Read – India’s first indigenous monkeypox test kit launched to help early detection of infection
Two monkeypox patients claimed they had disinfected surfaces and washed their hands several times, but the study found the virus in 70 percent of high-contact areas “on sofas, blankets, coffee machines, computer mice, and light switches 20 days after symptom onset.” ,” the CDC said, according to a Bloomberg report.
However, “no live virus” was found on any items or surfaces, the CDC said. According to studies, disinfecting surfaces and objects can reduce the risk of contamination in the home.
Symptoms of monkeypox at a glance
Fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps are common symptoms in monkeypox patients. Monkeypox virus is spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling, and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels, and clothing. So far, people who have been infected have mainly had sex with men. But health officials insist the virus can infect anyone.
- fever
- Body aches
- It feels cold
- tiredness
- Pimple-like rash/rash
Monkeypox is spread among domesticated dogs
Health officials warned people infected with monkeypox to stay away from household pets, as the animals could be at risk of catching the virus, the Associated Press reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an advisory for months as monkeypox continues to spread across the US. But it gained new attention last week after a report from France, published in the medical journal Lancet, about an Italian greyhound that caught the virus.
The dog belongs to a couple who said they sleep with the animal. Both men contracted monkeypox after having intercourse with other partners and wound up with lesions and other symptoms. The greyhound later developed lesions and was diagnosed with the virus.
Monkeypox infection has been observed in rats and other wild animals, which can transmit the virus to humans. But the authors call it the first report of monkeypox infection in a domestic animal such as a dog or cat.
(with inputs from AP)
