Online Desk
With the monkeypox outbreak being reported in several countries across the world, there is rising concern among Indians that it could be the beginning of yet another pandemic.
Although no cases have been reported in India so far, the Centre is bracing to fight the virus in case it makes its way into the country.
The Union government has directed the airport and port health officers to be vigilant and thoroughly screen international passengers who arrive in India.
“They have been instructed to isolate any sick passenger with a travel history to monkeypox-affected countries and send the samples to the BSL4 facility of the National Institute of Virology in Pune for an investigation,” an official source said.
Should India be worried about the new virus? Read on to find out.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox belongs to the same virus family as smallpox but causes milder symptoms. It is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions, according to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The incubation period is from about five days to three weeks. Most people recover within about two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalised.
Why is it called monkeypox?
The disease is called monkeypox because it was first identified in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. It was only later detected in humans in 1970.
Is monkeypox similar to chickenpox/smallpox?
“Monkeypox is similar to chickenpox or smallpox. But it is milder than smallpox. Rashes can be confused with chickenpox/smallpox/secondary syphilis,” said Dr. Saranya CK, Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Konni.
Will those who already contracted chickenpox/smallpox have immunity against this virus?
“There is no immunity against monkeypox in those who have already suffered from chickenpox. But those who took the smallpox vaccination have protection against monkeypox infection. Vaccinations against smallpox were protective, but due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination after the eradication of the disease, people may be more susceptible to contracting monkeypox infection,” Dr. Saranya said.
What are the symptoms?
According to the WHO, monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.
Typical symptoms of #monkeypox include:rash with blisters – on face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, genitalsfeverheadachesmuscle acheslow energyswollen lymph nodesTalk to a health worker if you are concerned pic.twitter.com/K0HY9Gh2DD
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 20, 2022
Who is at higher risk?
“Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease with mild symptoms which lasts for 2-4 weeks, but it can cause severe illness in children, pregnant women, and immune-suppressed patients due to other health conditions,” says Dr. Saranya.
“Higher-risk individuals are those who have close contact with infected persons or animals or with materials contaminated with the virus. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection,” she added.
Can people die from monkeypox?
In most cases, the symptoms of monkeypox go away on their own within a few weeks, but in some individuals, they can lead to medical complications and even death.
How is it transmitted?
Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans as well as humans to humans. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite, scratch or direct contact with body fluids. It can also occur when a person comes into contact with materials contaminated with the virus.
Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact.
It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing of an infected person.
Is it true that monkeypox spreads widely among gay couples?
“In the recent outbreak, it was reported that cases include people who self-identified as men who have sex with men. The virus enters the body through broken skin, direct contact with the lesions, respiratory droplets, or mucous membranes, and also sexual contact irrespective of gender or orientation. Also, through indirect contact with the clothing, or sharing bed with the infected person,” said Dr. Saranya.
How is it treated?
People exposed to the virus are often given one of several smallpox vaccines, which have been shown to be effective against monkeypox. Anti-viral drugs are also being developed, says the WHO.
Are we heading towards another pandemic?
“It does not spread as easily as SARS Cov-2 but it causes outbreaks in some countries. It can be an epidemic in those countries. It has less chance of turning into a pandemic,” said Dr. Saranya.
