All You Need To Know About Monkeypox

Monkeypox has been in the news lately as its outbreak is observed earlier in 75 countries and now in India as well. In India, 9 monkeypox cases has been confirmed as of 4 August 2022. Delhi has reported four cases till now.

What is Monkeypox?

It is a rare disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same family as the Smallpox virus. As the name suggests, Monkeypox got its name from scientists in 1958 when outbreak of this rare disease occurred in monkey colonies.

Visibility Of Symptoms

Though symptoms of Monkeypox are milder versions of smallpox, these symptoms rarely lead to death. However, populations with a weak immune system,people having eczema, children below 8 years of age and pregnant or breastfeeding females may be more likely to get seriously ill or die. As per the reports of WHO, 99% of the population survives after getting infected with the monkeypox virus. Symptoms usually appear after 1-2weeks of infection.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

Because the symptoms of Monkeypox appear after 1-2 weeks of infection, it becomes difficult to stop or recognize the infection. These are the common symptoms observed-

1. Rashes that might look like pimples or blisters on the face, hands, genitalia, or other parts of the body can last up to 2-4 weeks.
2. Headache
3. Muscle aches
4. Fever & Chills
5. Exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes

How Monkeypox Is Spread?

Monkeypox usually spreads with prolonged direct contact with an infected person. It also spreads by inhaling infected droplets. If we talk about indirect contact, then please avoid touching items like clothes or bedsheets of the infected person for at least 4 weeks.

It can also spread from mother to foetus via the placenta.

It can also be transmitted sexually.

How Can Monkeypox Be Cured?

Though symptoms of Monkeypox are milder versions of smallpox, these symptoms rarely lead to death. However, populations with a weak immune system, eczema people, children below 8 years of age and pregnant or breastfeeding females may be more likely to get seriously ill or die. As per the reports of WHO, 99% of the population survives after getting infected with the monkeypox virus. Symptoms usually appear after 1-2weeks of infection.

There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox. Monekypox is from the same ancestral family of smallpox, so, smallpox antiviral drugs are being used to minimise the effect of Monkeypox. Also, there is no vaccine for Monkeypox, but the smallpox vaccine may be used to prevent Monkeypox infection, as per doctors.

How Can Monkeypox Be Prevented?

As they say, prevention is always better than cure. In past many pandemics are evident to this sayings, or fact as per me. Monkeypox has also proved it right.

By adopting these few habits, the chances of getting infected with Monkeypox can be minimised-

1. Wash hands with soap and use an alcohol-based sanitiser.

2. Avoid close or physical contact with a person who has Monkeypox symptoms.

3. Do not touch the accessories of infected persons.

Persons who are sick with Monkeypox are at greater responsibility-

Isolate yourself. Stay away from pets or humans for at least 4-6 weeks.

Stay Safe, stay healthy!