What you need to know

With the increasing spread of monkeypox virus across the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency in connection with this virus. The disease originated in Congo and has spread across several African countries, as far as Sweden in Europe and Pakistan, the neighboring country of India. Given the potential threat, the IQ has 8. Is there a test for Mpox or monkeypox? The Indian Ministry of Health has held a review meeting to assess the situation. To understand the impact of this disease on India, its treatment options and the preventive measures to be taken, we spoke to some leading health experts including Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General of the Organized Medicine Academic Guild, Dr Narendra Saini, Chairman, Scientific Committee of the Delhi Medical Council and Dr Vibhor Agarwal of King George's Medical University, who has published an article on monkeypox. Here are the answers to some critical questions about this disease.

Q 1. Is monkeypox as contagious and deadly as COVID-19?

Answer According to the World Health Organization, Mpox, or monkeypox, is a viral disease similar to COVID-19. It is also contagious and can cause painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. However, it is not as contagious or deadly as COVID-19.

Q 2. Where does the monkeypox virus come from?

Answer The monkeypox virus was discovered in 1958. It was identified during an outbreak of a smallpox-like disease in colonies of monkeys kept for research purposes. Although the disease is called “monkeypox,” its cause is unknown. The first case of Mpox in humans was reported in 1970 in Congo. In 2022, Mpox spread worldwide.

Q 3. Is monkeypox extremely deadly?

Answer There are two strains of monkeypox. Clade I causes more severe disease and death, with a fatality rate of up to 10 percent. The other strain, Clade II, is more contagious. Although more people contract Clade II, over 99.9 percent of those infected do not die.

Q 4. Is monkeypox transmitted by animals?

Answer Mpox is a zoonosis, which means it comes from animals. It can be transmitted between animals and humans. However, the virus is now also transmitted from person to person.

Q 5. Who is at higher risk of this disease?

Answer People who already have an illness, children under one year of age, people with a history of eczema, pregnant women, and the elderly are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from monkeypox.

Q 6. What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Answer An infected person may develop a mild fever. Symptoms include flu-like signs, painful skin rashes, headaches, muscle and back pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and purulent sores on the body. These symptoms may last for 2 to 4 weeks.

Q 7. Does monkeypox only spread through contact with an infected person?

Answer According to WHO, the virus spreads mainly through contact with an infected person. The disease can spread through the skin or other wounds of a person infected with Mpox. It can also spread through close face-to-face conversation or breathing, skin-to-skin contact, prolonged close contact, short-range respiratory droplets or aerosols. People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk. Mpox can also be transmitted through contaminated objects such as clothing or bedsheets, injuries from sharp objects in health facilities or communal spaces such as tattoo parlors.

Q 8. Is there a test for MPox or monkeypox?

Answer One of the biggest challenges facing health professionals is testing for monkeypox. Dr. Narendra Saini points out that identifying Mpox is the most challenging because the symptoms are similar to other viral infections. Common diseases like chickenpox, bacterial infections, itching, and sexually transmitted infections also cause rashes. A child suspected of having Mpox could actually have chickenpox. For these reasons, it is important to diagnose monkeypox as soon as possible to ensure timely treatment and prevent further spread. Usually, experts identify Mpox by detecting viral DNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which takes some time.

Q 9. Is there any treatment for Mpox?

Answer There is currently no specific drug for Mpox. Several antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat, which was originally developed to treat smallpox, have been used to treat Mpox and further studies are ongoing.

Q 10. Is there a vaccine against monkeypox?

Answer Dr. Ishwar Gilada says the good news is that if you have been vaccinated against smallpox before, you are less likely to get this disease. The smallpox vaccine helps prevent the spread of this disease. The WHO has approved two vaccines to prevent this disease – Jynneos and Bavarian Nordic. These vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing monkeypox. Dr. Gilada also points out that the chances of a pandemic developing are low because the disease is more likely to spread through sexual contact.

Q 11. What should you do if you are infected with monkeypox?

– Stay at home if possible.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.
– Wear a mask until your rash heals and cover the sores when you are around other people.
– Keep your skin dry and uncovered.
– Avoid touching objects in shared spaces and disinfect shared areas regularly.
– Use salt water for mouth sores.
– For body ulcers, take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts.
– Take over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

Q 12. What precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of Mpox in India?

Answer First of all, not a single case of this virus has been detected in India so far, so the chances of its spread are very low. However, we should avoid contact with people from abroad. If someone returns from a foreign trip, they should get tested at the airport. If a person returning from abroad shows symptoms like fever, cold or any other illness, they should immediately inform the local health authorities and isolate themselves from others.

Q 13. When should we get tested for Mpox?

Answer Do not self-test. If you suspect you have Mpox or have been in contact with someone who has Mpox, consult a doctor to determine if you need to be tested for Mpox. If you have a fever and rashes, seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will advise you if a test is necessary.

Q 14. How long does it take for symptoms of monkeypox to appear?

Answer New data suggests that symptoms of Mpox do not appear immediately after infection. Some people can transmit Mpox to others one to four days before symptoms appear. It remains unclear how many people were affected during the global outbreak that began in 2022.

Q 15. What can we do to prevent the spread of monkeypox?

– First and foremost, avoid contact with people who have recently traveled abroad.
– Avoid close contact with people who have a rash similar to Mpox.
– Avoid touching clothing, sheets, blankets or other materials that have been in contact with an infected person.
– Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal.
– If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
– Avoid animals that can spread the virus.

(Note: This story has been translated by Ankit Kumar for Jagran English.)