World

Globally more than 35,000 monkeypox cases, ‘nearly’ all infections in men: WHO

August 18, 2022
Bharat Times

New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday (August 17, 2022) that so far more than 35,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 92 countries and territories with 12 deaths. In a media briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week about 7,500 monkeypox infections had been reported, a “20% increase” from the previous week. He said that “almost all cases” are being reported from Europe and the US, and that almost all cases are being reported in men who have sex with men.

“The primary focus for all countries should be to ensure they are prepared for monkeypox, and to prevent transmission by using effective public health tools, including disease surveillance, careful contact tracing, tailored risk communication and community engagement, and risk reduction measures,” Tedros said.

The head of the global health body said monkeypox vaccines could also play an important role in controlling the outbreak, and there is a high demand for vaccines from affected communities in many countries.

“However, at the moment, there is limited data regarding the supply of vaccines, and their effectiveness, although we are starting to receive data from some countries,” he said.

Tedros also said the WHO “remains concerned” that the unequal access to vaccines we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic will be repeated, and the poorest will continue to be left behind.

WHO renamed two known groups of monkeypox virus

Tedros said that a meeting of experts convened by the WHO has agreed to use Roman numerals to name two known groups of monkeypox virus.

While the clade formerly known as the Congo Basin or Central African clade would now be known as Clade I, the West African clade would be called Clade II.

“Work is underway to rename the disease and the virus,” Tedros said.

What is monkeypox virus?

It is a disease caused by monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person. The disease is called monkeypox because it was first identified in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research. It was later detected in humans in the 1970s.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox disease?

Monkeypox disease can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. While some people have mild symptoms, others may develop more severe symptoms and require care in a healthcare facility. The most common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. It is followed by or accompanied by the development of a rash that may last two to three weeks.

The rash can be found on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin and genital and/or anal areas of the body. The number of lesions can range from one to several thousand. The sores begin to flatten, then fill with fluid, dry out and fall off before a crust forms, beneath which a new layer of skin forms.

Symptoms usually last two to three weeks and usually go away on their own or with supportive care, such as medicine for pain or fever. People remain contagious until all wounds form a scab, the scab falls off and a new layer of skin forms.

People at high risk for serious illness or complications include those who are pregnant, children and individuals who are immunocompromised.

How is monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox is spread through close contact with someone who has a monkeypox rash, including face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. When an infectious person touches clothing, bedding, towels, objects, electronics, and surfaces, another person who touches these items can become infected. It is also possible to become infected by skin flakes from clothing, bedding or towels or by breathing in the virus.

The virus can also be spread through direct oral contact, respiratory droplets, and possibly short-distance aerosols.

Monkeypox can also be spread from someone who is pregnant and in the womb, through skin-to-skin contact after birth, or from parent to infant or child with monkeypox during close contact.

How to protect yourself from monkeypox?

Reduce your risk of catching monkeypox by limiting close contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox, or with animals that may be infected.

Clean and disinfected environments that could have been contaminated with the monkeypox virus from someone who was regularly infected.

Is there a cure for monkeypox virus?

People with monkeypox virus should follow the advice of their health care provider. According to the WHO, symptoms usually get better on their own without the need for treatment, but if necessary, medication for pain (analgesics) and antipyretics (antipyretics) can be used to relieve some symptoms. .

Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep are important for anyone with monkeypox.

People infected with monkeypox should also avoid scratching their skin and by cleaning their hands and keeping the skin dry and uncovered before and after touching wounds (unless they are essentially in a room with someone else). no, in which case they should cover it with cloth or a bandage until they are able to separate again).

The rash can be kept clean with sterile water or an antiseptic. A saltwater rinse can be used for sores in the mouth, and a warm bath with baking soda and Epsom salts can help with sores on the body. Lidocaine can be applied to oral and perianal lesions to relieve pain.

An antiviral developed to treat smallpox (tecovirimat) was approved in January 2022 by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of monkeypox.

Can children catch the monkeypox virus?

Children can get monkeypox too If they have close contact with someone who has symptoms. However, the number of children infected with monkeypox in the current outbreak is very small.