While the world is still haunted by the COVID pandemic, WHO has warned everyone about the rise of the Monkey Pox Case. Meanwhile, India on Sunday registered its first suspected Monkey Pox (Mpox) case, however, the Union Health Ministry appealed to the citizens that there is no need to panic. This is the first case in India since Mpox was declared a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' by WHO. The Health Ministry informed that a young male patient currently experiencing Mpox (monkeypox) transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of Mpox in the country. The patient is reportedly admitted to the isolation ward in Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Now, the question arises how the patient potentially get infected by MPox and how can the people of India prevent themselves from getting Monkeypox infection? Below is everything you need to know-
What is the patient's history?
The Union Health Ministry neither name the patient nor the country he travelled to. However, the Ministry confirmed that the patient recently travelled to another country where Mpox outbreak is active. "A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country currently experiencing mpox transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of mpox,” said the ministry. The patient has been isolated and is in stable condition. His samples have been sent for testing," the Union Health Ministry said.
As per reports, the patient is admitted to the isolation ward at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Appealing the citizens of India, the Health Ministry further said, "“The development of this case is consistent with the earlier risk assessment conducted by the NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) and there is no cause of any undue concern."
How to prevent yourself from MPox infection as suggested by WHO?
- stay home and in your own room if possible
- wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
- wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
- keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
- avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
- use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
- take warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores
- take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
What is Mpox?
As per WHO, Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
For the unversed, Africa is currently suffering from a major Mpox outbreak with thousands affected and over 500 deaths. The outbreak is caused by the more virulent Clade 1b strain. Clade 1b causes death in about 3.6 percent of cases, with children more at risk.
CLICK HERE TO KNOW HOW TO IDENTIFY MONKEY POX