An alert has been issued regarding monkeypox in India. A total of 30 cases of monkeypox have been reported in India since 2022. The last case was reported in March 2024. The first case of monkeypox in India was reported in July 2022.
It has a mortality rate of 3%, which is much higher than the 0.1% mortality rate of other types of monkeypox. The disease has spread to 17 African countries and many countries outside the continent. It is believed that due to the increasing threat of monkeypox, a lockdown situation may arise. Let’s understand how dangerous monkeypox is and what you can do to prevent it.
Is monkeypox as deadly as corona?
Monkeypox is also a viral infection, which has symptoms similar to Covid, such as cough, fever, body ache, etc. However, it has some fundamental differences from Corona. Monkeypox affects the face and external parts of the body, and pus-filled wounds may also occur.
The world’s most dangerous disease
WHO has declared monkeypox a world health emergency. However, WHO has also said that this virus is not a ‘new covid’ and there is no need to panic unnecessarily. WHO believes that the world can fight this virus easily, but international cooperation is very important for this.
How monkeypox spreads
#mapox Infection occurs through close contact with an infected person, animal, or objects.
Stay safe by avoiding contact, keeping hands clean, and watching for symptoms.
Leam more https://t.co/RjHSBkVjlH, https://t.co/inQx0tPU5J pic.twitter.com/A7TmJbPRDc
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 21, 2024
what are the symptoms of monkeypox
Monkeypox patients may experience flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, vomiting, etc. Apart from this, pus-filled sores may also occur, which is a characteristic feature of this disease. Some people develop inflammation inside the rectum (proctitis) which can cause severe pain, as well as swelling in the genitals which may cause difficulty in urinating.
Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of monkeypox
How is the monkeypox virus spread?
- The monkeypox virus spreads primarily through direct contact with an infected person’s lesions, fluids, or contaminated objects. The virus does not spread easily through the air.
- Direct contact with lesions: The virus can be spread by touching an infected person’s lesions or by coming in contact with the fluids oozing from them.
- Coming in contact with infected objects: This virus can also spread by coming in contact with clothes, bedding, utensils or other objects touched by an infected person.
- Mother-to-child: The virus can be spread from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.
- Physical relations: This virus can also spread during sexual relations.
Can monkeypox lead to lockdown?
There are reports that monkeypox is spreading rapidly and due to this, a lockdown may be imposed across the world soon like during the corona virus. According to WHO, monkeypox is not as deadly as covid and it is unlikely to cause a complete lockdown like situation.
How to prevent monkeypox virus
- Maintain social distancing: Maintain as much distance as possible from the infected person.
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching an infected person or object.
- Avoid infected objects: Do not touch objects used by the infected person such as bed, clothes, utensils, etc.
- Cover your skin: Cover your skin to avoid coming into contact with an infected person’s wounds.
- Sex: If you’re having sex with someone who might have monkeypox, follow safe sex practices.
- Be careful with animals: Do not touch wild animals, especially rodents and primates.
- Contact health workers: If you have symptoms of monkeypox, contact a doctor immediately.
