Monkeypox infection is raising the concern of experts globally. The outbreak that started in African countries is now increasing in Asian countries including US-UK. An infected case has also been confirmed in India. According to the information shared by the Ministry of Health, the infected person had recently traveled to a Mpox-affected country, from where he got the infection. At present, the patient has been kept in isolation under the supervision of doctors, where his condition remains stable.
Health experts have advised all people to be aware of monkeypox infection and keep following preventive measures.
The ministry has clarified in an advisory that there is no sign of any widespread risk to other people from monkeypox in the country, so do not be afraid or panic. All people just need to be careful about the prevention of infection. Cases of infection are being reported more in people of certain ages. You can keep yourself safe by paying attention to the risk factors.
Government-issued guidelines
Union Health Secretary Apoorva Chandra on Monday advised the states and union territories to remain alert and take precautions regarding monkeypox. It said that all the states should widely disseminate the guidelines shared by the ministry for the management of monkeypox disease. Experts said it is most important to keep taking measures to prevent infection.
Among the ways of spreading the infection reported globally, sexual contact is the most common, followed by the risk of spreading the virus from an infected person to other people, which also needs to be taken care of.
The risk is higher in those aged 18-44
The government has highlighted the clinical condition of the infection and said that most of the cases of monkeypox are being seen in the youth. Its risk is being seen more in people aged 18-44, in this too men are falling prey more.
According to the World Health Organization, data available globally shows that 96.4% of cases are in men, with an average age of 34 years. The distribution of cases based on age and gender has remained stable over time. Women may also be at risk, but such cases are less.
Such symptoms are seen in the infected
Health experts said that usually rashes and large pimples on the body are the initial symptoms of monkeypox infection. Apart from this, patients also experience symptoms like fever, muscle pain, or sore throat. Rashes also appear on the palm, soles, face, mouth, throat, genital areas, and anus. There is also a problem of swelling in lymph nodes, fatigue, and weakness.
Symptoms of monkeypox begin within 21 days of exposure to the virus and its effect can last for two to four weeks.
Men are more victims
According to a 2023 study, 96.4% of the patients in the outbreak during this period were men. Sexual contact was the cause of infection in 84.2% of the patients. Most of the people were bisexual or homosexual. The study published in the World Journal of Emergency Medicine found that 95.7% of monkeypox infection cases were seen in men and only 2.3% cases were seen in women.
Health experts say, apart from sexual contact, the virus can also spread through close contact and the body fluids of the infected. Avoid using items used by the infected person such as clothes, sheets, towels, etc.
(PC: Freepik)
