The COVID-19 pandemic might not be over, but the world is already paying attention to another virus: Monkeypox. 

With more than 26,000 cases across 87 countries, WHO has already declared it as a global health emergency. 

Till date (7th August '22) 9 confirmed cases and 1 death have already been reported from India. With all this news around, the obvious question is - should you be worried? 

We suggest, there is no need to panic. Just be informed & take appropriate precautions.

What is monkeypox?

The monkeypox virus comes from the same family of viruses as smallpox. (It is not related to chickenpox.) 

What are its symptoms?

Common symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, backache, tiredness, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Monkeypox also causes a rash that looks like raised bumps on the skin. The rash is present on face, hands, feet, mouth & genitals. The Incubation Period (time from getting infected to development of symptoms) is 1 to 2 weeks but can vary from 5 to 21 days.

How does it spread?

It typically spreads through bodily fluids or by touching the rash of someone who has monkeypox.

Why is there concern about monkeypox spreading around the world? 

The 2022 outbreak of monkeypox is concerning because ofthe “novel spread” of the virus. This time, the virus is largely linked to “contact with partners of people having male-to-male sexual encounters,” something that’s not usual for monkeypox. 

Who is most vulnerable to monkeypox?

Monkeypox is most likely to spread between people that have prolonged skin-to-skin contact with each other. Even though the virusis spreading among men who have sex with other men, the major risk factor is touching the lesions caused by monkeypox.

How is monkeypox treated?

Overall, “there are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections.” In other words, monkeypox is a “self-limited” disease, meaning that it will usually run its course by itself, withouttreatment.

How can we prevent the spread of monkeypox?

  • Avoiding skin-to-skin contact is the best wayto limit the spread of monkeypox. 
  • Avoiding direct contact with the skin,clothing, and bedding of a person with monkeypox will help prevent you fromgetting the virus. 
  • It’s best to not share cups or eatingutensils with someone with monkeypox. 
  • People with monkeypox should also self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.

The vaccine of smallpox is effective against monkeypox too.

Overall, how worried should we be about monkeypox? 

Most of us need not to be worried about monkeypox.  It’s “unlikely” that it will become a worldwide epidemic because:

  • More than 95% case internationally, are reported in gay men. (This means that women are mostly not at risk, unless directly involved in the care of infected patients)
  • People over the age of 45 years, who have had vaccination for smallpox will have immunity to Monkeypox too. (Look for a scar on your upper left arm, to know if you had received one)
  • Drugs (Antivirals) & Vaccine (such as Smallpox) are already available, unlike in case of Covid 19, where we were caught totally off guard.

So, for now, follow the advisory / guideline issued by the government from time to time and remember that there is no need to panic.

StayAlert. Stay Safe.

If you like my articles & find the information valuable please like & share the post with your friends & family so that they too can benefit from the information.

Thanks & Regards,

Dr Vinay Verma

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