Once again, like corona, monkeypox disease has started scaring people. After the World Health Organization declared this disease a global health emergency and a case of this disease was reported in Central Africa as well as Sweden, the threat of this disease is looming over India as well. However, can monkeypox also spread in India which has already fought diseases like chickenpox and smallpox? Let’s know from the experts.
Professor Dr. Suneet K. Singh, Director, Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, New Delhi, says that there is no threat of monkeypox in India yet, but whenever a disease is declared a global health emergency, it simply means that there is a need to be alert because this disease can spread to other places from where it has spread.
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How many monkeypox cases have come
Dr. Sunit says that as of now, monkeypox is present only in Central Africa. However, in the year 2024, cases of monkeypox have also been found in countries outside South Africa. Monkeypox disease was first seen in the Central African country Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s. After that, in 2022 also, the outbreak of this disease occurred in Congo only and not a single case was seen in any country of the world. On the other hand, if we talk about India, till now not a single case of monkeypox has been reported here.
How does monkeypox spread?
However, the fact that no cases have been reported so far does not mean that it cannot spread in any country. Monkeypox infection can occur anywhere. Reports say that this disease is mostly being transmitted sexually.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Dr. Suneet K Singh says that the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to chickenpox or smallpox.
. Pimples, boils, blisters or rashes on the body
. Pain and pus formation in these ulcers
. Fever
. Headache
. feeling cold
. Swelling of the lymph node
. back pain
. hamstring strain
. Sore throat and sore throat
Does monkey pox cause death?
So far, reports suggest that the Clade 1 variant of monkeypox that is currently spreading in Central Africa is more severe than the Clade 2 strain that came before it. This is the reason why monkeypox cases are continuously increasing in Central Africa and deaths have also occurred there. The mortality rate of this disease is 11 percent.
How to protect yourself?
Dr. Suneet Singh says that since this virus originated mainly in Central Africa and is spreading around it, in such a situation, monitoring and screening should be started in border areas in a country like India. If a person is returning after travelling to the affected countries or a citizen of those countries is coming to India, then he should be tested so that this infection does not reach India. At the same time, it is important to take care of vigilance and cleanliness here too.
Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?
Dr. Suneet says that there is also an American vaccine for monkeypox made using live vaccinia virus. This vaccine is effective in preventing this disease. People should come forward to get this vaccine wherever this disease is spreading.
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Tags: health news, WHO Guideline, World Health Organisation
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 16, 2024, 13:04 IST
