According to experts, monkeypox belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family which looks like smallpox. This also includes the variola virus. This virus causes smallpox. Monkeypox first appeared in animals in 1958.
If we look at the data of the last decade at the global level, it becomes clear that many types of infectious diseases have posed serious challenges to health. The Corona epidemic, which started in the last months of 2019, was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) given its seriousness and complications. Corona cases are now quite controlled, but now another disease is increasing the concern of experts.
Amidst the Corona epidemic, the number of mpox patients is also increasing rapidly. Monkeypox has hit many countries of the world including India. It is an infectious disease, which occurs by coming in contact with an infected person or animal. According to experts, mpox belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, which looks like smallpox. This also includes the variola virus. This virus causes smallpox. Mpox first appeared in animals in the year 1958. When monkeypox infection was found in monkeys. At the same time, in the year 1970, monkeypox was found in humans for the first time in a child from Congo. However, after the eradication of smallpox in 1980, it has emerged as a serious problem.
Table of Contents
According to media reports, monkeypox infection is increasing rapidly in the African continent these days. It is also known as MPOX. More than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported in Africa this year. Given the danger of MPpox, WHO has declared it a ‘global health emergency’ on Wednesday (14 August). It is noteworthy that for the second time since 2022, MPOX has been declared a global health emergency.
Health experts have expressed concern that MPOX cases may spread to other continents as well, so everyone needs to pay serious attention to this matter.
How does monkeypox spread?
According to the CDC, monkeypox spreads due to contact with infected fluid from the body of an animal or person suffering from monkeypox, bite of an infected animal, touching, etc. Especially, it is spread more by rats, squirrels, and monkeys. At the same time, there is a risk of monkeypox by touching things kept around a person suffering from monkeypox. Apart from this, monkeypox can also be caused by having physical contact with a person who is already suffering from it.
Danger increased in African countries
“I am very serious about the health of our citizens. With an unwavering commitment to people’s health, we are making Mpox a vital threat to continental security,” Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said during an online media briefing. Declare a public health emergency There have been 38,465 cases of Mpox and 1,456 deaths in Africa from January 2022 to August 4, according to CDC data.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, the emergency committee met on MPOX and advised me that it is a matter of international concern. I have accepted the advice to declare this a public health emergency. The World Health Organization is working on the ground and working with affected countries and others at risk.
Let us know what is Mpox infection and what kind of complications can occur due to it?
Monkeypox infection had spread last year also
It is worth noting that earlier in the months of July-September last year, Mpox had troubled people a lot in the United States and China also. In India too, its cases were reported for the first time during Corona infection.
Because of the risks of monkeypox, the Europe branch of WHO has also launched a campaign named Eliminate Monkeypox, in which emphasis is being laid on alerting people about vaccination and prevention. Officials have said that it is very important to get vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective and infection is possible even after vaccination, but its advantage is that the disease does not become serious due to infection and the risk of hospitalization may be reduced.
Know about monkeypox infection
Mpox or monkeypox disease is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. In this, there may be problems of big blisters on the skin along with swelling of lymph nodes and fever. Its outbreak is mainly seen in homosexual and bisexual people. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had alerted in a report that apart from sexual relations, the risk of this infection can be spread in many other ways, due to which all people need to be careful.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
-Fever
-Headache
-Muscle pain
-Back pain
-Swollen lymph nodes
-Feeling cold
-Exhaustion
-Skin eruptions
-Rashes on the body
-Sore throat
-Frequent cough
-Feeling lethargic
-Itching problem
Monkeypox prevention
-For this, first of all, follow the guidelines issued by the government. Get the smallpox vaccine if you have monkeypox.
-To prevent infection, keep distance from the infected person. Do not panic if you see symptoms of monkeypox, but contact a doctor immediately.
-After coming in contact with an infected person, wash hands with soap and clean water. Apart from this, use sanitizer. Keep sanitizer with you.
-Always wear a mask while leaving the house.
The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX), originally for smallpox, is being studied for the treatment of mpox. Smallpox vaccine has also been authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the brand name ZnNeOS (also labeled as Immune or Imvanex) for adults, with severe MPox cases.
Health experts also hold the opinion that the infection can also be acquired through contact with skin wounds, body fluids, or cough and sneeze droplets from an infected person. Everybody needs to be cautious to avoid the condition.
Disclaimer:
All the articles published in “Health Alpha” are prepared based on various sources like doctors, the internet, experts, and books. The facts and information mentioned in the article have been checked and verified by Health Alpha.
All instructions have been followed while preparing this article. The related article has been prepared to increase the information and awareness of the reader. Health Alpha does not make any claims nor take any responsibility regarding the information and information provided in the article.
For more information about the related diseases mentioned in the above article, consult your doctor and do not take any medicine without medical advice.
Views: 1
Pingback: Sloth Fever- 10 common Symptoms. How to prevent sloth fever