Many countries of the world are facing monkeypox infection these days. This viral infection, which started from African countries, is also increasing in many Asian countries including US-UK. The countries of Central and West Africa are most affected by the viral zoonotic disease. More than 18 thousand suspected cases have been reported in Congo so far, while at least 610 people have lost their lives.
According to recent reports, the fifth case of infection has been reported in neighboring country Pakistan. Since monkeypox infection is considered serious and life-threatening in many cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a 'Global Health Emergency'. Given the increasing threat of monkeypox, an alert has also been issued in India, at present no cases of infection have been reported here.
Let us know how dangerous monkeypox is and what measures should be taken to prevent it.
Infection is increasing due to new strain
In a recent study, scientists have blamed its new strain 'Clade IB' for the increasing cases of ampox. Experts said that there is serious concern that the virus is mutating and creating new strains. This is also being reported in countries where there was no risk of approx till now.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry in India has advised all people to be cautious about the infection. The ministry has shared detailed information about how ampox spreads and what to do in case of infection.
How does this infection spread?
The Union Health Ministry said in a post, that ampox is a viral infection that can spread through infected objects, close contact, and body fluids. Avoid using items used by an infected person such as clothes, sheets, towels, etc. Coming in contact with the body fluids or wounds of an infected person can also cause the risk of spreading the infection. Follow social distancing at the community level.
How many days does the effect last?
The ministry said, in some situations, the effect of infection can last for two to four weeks. However, if the patients are diagnosed on time and get supportive treatment, then their chances of recovery increase.
Apart from this, if anyone shows symptoms or comes in contact with infected patients, contact the doctor immediately. An appeal has also been made to click on this link to report suspected cases.
What is the treatment for monkeypox?
There is no specific medicine for the treatment of monkeypox so far, although studies are going on on some of its vaccines. The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX), which is originally for smallpox, is being studied for the treatment of monkeypox. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also approved a smallpox vaccine called JNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) for severe monkeypox cases in people aged 18 years and above.
(PC: Freepik)
