While the whole world is still struggling under the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new virus has reared its head. Globally, there have been 16,000 recorded cases of monkeypox so far. Four cases have been confirmed in India from New Delhi and Kerala. Although monkeypox’s transmission rate is not as rapid as COVID-19’s, World Health Organisation has declared the situation a global emergency. Below are some important questions along with their answers you must know.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral infection similar to smallpox. Till now it occurred only in the tropical regions of Africa but due to international travel, the virus has reached 75 countries so far.
What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of the flu and a person might catch it upon direct contact with an infected person or animal. These symptoms are high fever, muscular pain, headaches, fatigue, inflamed lymph nodes and skin rashes that form blisters and then dry up.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
Infected person
If you come in direct contact with the infected person’s pox rashes, sores, saliva or body fluids, you can get infected. Getting intimate with an infected person, such as sex, and even kissing or hugging, may transmit the virus to you.
Monkeypox can also spread through an infected person’s unwashed clothes, bedsheets, pillow covers or utensils.
Animals
Another way you may contract the disease is if an infected animal bites or scratches you or if you come in direct contact with the animal’s blood, pox pus and bodily fluid.
Are There Any Preventive Measures?
Being aware is the first step forward to preventing the disease. If someone you know may have contracted monkeypox, avoid physical contact with them without proper safety measures. Also, do not engage in sexual activities with the infected person.
Remember to continue wearing masks as these will prevent respiratory droplets from infected people. Also, regularly use hand washes and disinfectants.
If you have an infected person at home, they should be isolated in a well-ventilated room. Handle everything used by them with care. Wear gloves and masks around them and when their utensils, clothes and bedding need to be washed. Do not wash their clothes with non-infected members’ clothes. Hygiene and disinfection are essential. In case you come in contact with them, you too should get tested and stay separate from other people. Consult a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
If you consume meat, make sure it is cleaned and cooked thoroughly. Do not touch dead animals with bare hands. Wash hands regularly and immediately after touching animals that may be infected. Avoid contact with blood, fluid or pus from mammals.
What About Vaccines?
At present vaccines against monkeypox are not available in India. However, many reports claim that smallpox vaccines are around 85% effective so they will be manufactured to help slow down monkeypox.
Until more information is available and vaccines reach the market, we need to follow the above precautionary measures to stay safe. Let’s safeguard our family’s health against monkeypox. Hygiene, sanitation and safe sex always!