Situation Update on Monkeypox: What is happening in India?
Highlights:
- Monkeypox Update
- India recorded 2 cases
- What is the situation update all across the globe?
Monkeypox is a rare disease and it is similar to smallpox. It is found mostly in areas of Africa but has been reported in other parts of the world as well. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear. There is no proven treatment for monkeypox yet, but it usually goes away on its own given a short period of time. Monkeypox disease is known to have less clinical severity than smallpox. Monkeypox has been reported as endemic in several central and western African countries. Monkeypox is rare. But the number of cases are increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that have not seen these infections before.
What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
It may be several days to a few weeks before someone develops symptoms of this disease. Early signs of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms like:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
How does monkeypox spread?
Monkey pox spreads when you come into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. Through broken skin, like from bites or scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids or pox wounds. Monkey pox can spread from person to person, but it is less common.
You can also get monkeypox by coming into contact with contaminated materials like clothing, bed sheets and other linens used by an infected person or animals.
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Cure and treatment for monkeypox
Normally monkeypox will cure itself in 2-4weeks.
Doctors will monitor your condition and try to relieve your symptoms, preventing dehydration and giving you antibiotics to treat other infections if it does develop.
The WHO recommends supportive treatment depending on the symptoms. Those infected are advised to isolate immediately.
Monkeypox in India
The first case in India was reported on July 14 when a 35 year old man returned from UAE. High-level disciplinary team was sent to Kerala, along with state authority to implement public health and safety measures. The second case was of a 31-year-old man from Kannur in Kerala, who tested positive for monkeypox on 18 July, making it the second confirmed case of the disease in India.
“Confirmation of a case of monkeypox disease from Kollam district in Kerala, the health ministry has decided to depute a multi-disciplinary central team to support the state government of Kerala in investigating the outbreak and institute requisite public health measures,” an official memorandum by the health ministry last week read.
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“The Government of India is taking proactive steps by monitoring the situation carefully and coordinating with states in case of any such possibility of outbreak,” the health ministry stated.
Is there a danger of another pandemic?
NO, there is no need to worry as monkey pox is a ‘self-limiting’ disease which means that it will resolve by itself, experts revealed.
“We urge individuals to not panic and most importantly, not confuse monkeypox with another common viral infection,” said Dr Hemlata Arora, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Nanavati Hospital. Therefore, the only thing people need to do is patiently wait and follow medical guides, and quarantine themselves if required.
