WHO declares Monkeypox as a health emergency: Know all about it

Since 2019, the entire world has been suffering and struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic. While that was enough, nature decided to make our lives more difficult by introducing Monkeypox. 

What is Monkeypox?

Although it is hard to believe, it is a rare disease. It is caused by an infection that carries the monkeypox virus. As for the virus, it belongs to the variola virus family, which causes smallpox. Unsurprisingly, its symptoms are similar to smallpox but not as severe. 

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Rashes on the entire body

Origin:

Interestingly, it was first discovered in 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark; however, it was first observed in monkeys, hence the name. Despite the name, the true origins of Monkeypox remain unclear. Still, scientists believe that it originated from African rodents and primates. 

The first recorded case of this virus in humans was in 1970 among 6 unvaccinated children. Following this, the number of Monkeypox patients increased to 300 from 1981 to 1986 because of animal interactions. However, a decade later in 1996, nearly 88% of the Monkeypox cases were caused by humans. 

How does it spread?

Like other viruses, Monkeypox can spread in various ways. For starters, animal-to-person contact is the primary way by which it spreads; however, it can also spread from person to person. Here are the ways by which it spreads:

• Direct contact with the rash
• Airborne transmission, i.e., sneezes, coughs, et cetera
• Intercourse and intimate contact
• Using clothing previously touched or worn by the infected person
• Contacting bodily fluids of the infected person
• From the placenta to the baby during pregnancy

It should be noted that this virus lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. It can spread until the skin is fully healed. Moreover, if one does not have symptoms of Monkeypox, they cannot spread it. 

Scientists believe that it only started to spread because of the ease of the smallpox eradication campaigns. 

How to prevent Monkeypox?

Getting vaccinated is the best option when it comes to preventing Monkeypox. With that said, the following steps must also be taken to prevent it:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with the infected person
• Never touch the rash of an infected person
• Do not engage in intimate contact 
• Never touch the bedding, towel, or clothing of an infected patient
• Do not eat from the utensils of someone with this virus
• Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer
• Do not touch wild rodents and primate animals

If you have Monkeypox, then follow the same procedure as Covid-19, i.e., isolate yourself. 

Treatment:

Presently, there is no specific treatment. With that said, it is similar to smallpox, genetically at least. Therefore, the same medication that is used for smallpox can be used to treat Monkeypox.

But what to do with the left-over medication once you’re better? Dispose of it safely.

Monkeypox in India

With the start of May 2022, Monkeypox cases began to emerge around the world. Presently, there are over 16,000 confirmed cases around the world. However, this was not the first outbreak since the 20th century. Nigeria experienced a Monkeypox outbreak in 2017, with over 200 confirmed and 500 suspected cases. Among these, 3% of the patients died. 

The first three cases of Monkeypox reported in India were from the state of Kerala. All of them had international travel history, therefore, they contracted the virus from outside. Interestingly, the latest case has been reported in Delhi, but this person had never travelled to another country or Kerala. This suggests that this disease is spreading locally. Therefore, taking precautions is necessary. 

Can you Die from Monkeypox?

If you have a strong immune system, then you will not die from this virus. Additionally, it does not leave any lasting effects on the body. With that said, for people with a weak immune system, this virus can be fatal. Also, with mutated Covid-19 still lingering in our realm, a lot of people are facing compromised immunity. Children and old people are at a greater risk.