A Dangerous Type of Monkeypox in India...!?
Mpox Clade 1b, a type of monkeypox, has been declared a public health emergency by the World health Organization (WHO). The first case of this type of monkeypox has been reported in India. Monkeypox is spreading rapidly worldwide. Mpox Clade 1b, a type of monkey measles, has been declared a public health emergency by the World health Organization (WHO). The first case of this type of monkey measles has been reported in India. A person has been diagnosed with Mpox Clade 1b infection in Malappuram district of Kerala. The patient is said to be 38 years old and recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. Currently, the patient's condition is said to be stable. Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease. It is spread through sores on the infected person's skin or through the infected person's clothing, or used bedding. The disease spreads from animals to humans and through direct contact between humans. The WHO has declared it a public health emergency (PHEIC) twice, first in July 2022 and then in august 2024. In august 2024, the number of monkeypox cases worldwide started to increase.
- Symptoms of Mpox may appear within 14 days of infection.
- Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit.
- These initial symptoms usually last for one to four days.
- After that skin rash, and sores develop.
- As the skin lesions often resemble smallpox, it can be confusing to identify it separately.
- However, in monkeypox, these lesions often appear on the data-face, arms, legs, and chest.
— A notable difference is that the lesions of monkeypox may also occur on the palms and soles, but, in measles, this occurs less frequently.
- In severe cases, these lesions may also occur around the genitals.
- Also, painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the pelvic region may occur.
- Rarely mouth sores and eye swelling may occur.
As MPOX is spreading rapidly globally, health experts have advised us to take precautionary measures to prevent the disease. The virus is mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, close or sexual contact with people with symptoms of monkeypox should be avoided.
Apart from this, it is advised to avoid contact with patients' clothing, bedding, or other objects. health experts recommend isolating the affected person and treating him as soon as possible. people living near an infected person should also take precautions to avoid monkeypox infection. Wearing a data-face mask and washing hands regularly with soap or sanitizer are seen as important steps we can take to prevent infection.
What measures have been taken in India?
In view of the recent increasing cases of monkeypox, the Union health Ministry has advised all states and Union Territories to be vigilant and intensify screening of possible MPox patients. Along with this, necessary facilities have been established in hospitals and doctors have been alerted. Emergency measures are being taken everywhere.