The Department of Public Relations on 29th August 2024 issued an advisory on Monkey Pox. Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease, might sound alarming, but understanding it can help mitigate concerns. Named after the monkey from which it was first isolated, Monkeypox does not actually spread from monkeys but is rather transmitted through contact with infected rodents from Central and West Africa.
Current Status:
Recently, Monkeypox cases have been reported in several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Liberia. As of now, India has not reported any cases, so there’s no immediate cause for panic.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Monkeypox typically manifests with:
Fever
Rash(often appearing on the face, feet, genitalia, or around the anus)
Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms usually last between 2 to 4 weeks. The illness is generally self-limiting, meaning it tends to resolve on its own without specific treatment.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Monkeypox spreads through:
Bites or scratches from infected rodents
Contact with body fluids or lesion materials from infected animals
Handling bush meat (wild animal meat from Africa)
Direct or indirect contact with contaminated materials, like bedding
Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or between a parent with Monkeypox and their child
Infected individuals can transmit the virus from 1-2 days before the rash appears until all scabs have fallen off.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis is confirmed with a PCR test for monkeypox virus (MPXV), typically performed on a viral swab from lesions. In India, several labs are equipped to conduct this test, including the NCDC in New Delhi and AIIMS in Delhi, among others.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Monkeypox. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:
Caring for skin damage from the rash
Maintaining hydration and managing stool consistency
Pain relief with analgesics
What You Can Do
Do:
Self-isolate and seek medical advice if you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
Practice good hand hygiene after coming into contact with potentially infected animals or people.
Monitor your health if you’ve traveled to areas with reported cases of Monkeypox. Isolate yourself for 21 days and watch for symptoms.
Don’t:
Avoid close contact with anyone who has symptoms of Monkeypox or who has recently returned from affected areas.
Conclusion
While the presence of Monkeypox in certain regions may be concerning, staying informed and following basic preventive measures can help manage the risk. If you have any symptoms or concerns, contact your nearest health facility for guidance and support. Stay safe and proactive to keep yourself and your community healthy.
