Monkeypox arrives in India. How to take precautions against it

Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral disease with symptoms similar to smallpox.  It leads to rash and flu-like symptoms. It is rare. But the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that haven’t seen these infections before. In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old.  2022 brought outbreaks to regions outside of Africa, including Europe, the Americas, India and Australia.

Signs and symptoms of Monkeypox

Early signs of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms like:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

After a few days, a rash often develops. The rash starts as flat, red bumps, which can be painful. Those bumps turn into blisters, which fill with pus.

How Does It Spreads?

Monkeypox is spread when you come into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. It can also spread from person to person, but it’s less common. Person-to-person spread occurs when you come in contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of an infected person.

Prevention

• Avoid contact with animals that could be infected with the virus such as sick animals, animals found dead in areas where the disease occurs.
• Avoid contact with bedding, towels, clothes, etc which has been in contact with an infected animal or person.
• Isolation of infected persons is important to prevent the spread of the virus.

#Monkeypox | Uttar Pradesh Chief Medical Officer issues advisory for to higher health officials of the state and District Magistrates to remain alert.

The advisory directs that information on patients with fever and rashes be shared with the office of the Chief Medical Officer. pic.twitter.com/tYlPKY91wl

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 28, 2022

• After contact with infected animals or humans, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Wear a Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) suit when caring for infected people closely.

Treatment

• Patients with extensive lesions or respiratory symptoms should be isolated in a room or area separate from other family members and pets.
• Infected humans should wear a surgical mask and so should the other household members.
• Skin lesions should be covered to the best extent possible with long sleeves, long pants, and bandages to minimize contact with others.
• While the patient is in home isolation, disposable gloves should be worn when directly contacting with lesions.

Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks.  Liked this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section