Monkeypox cases in India: Check symptoms, treatment and vaccine available as 4th man tests positive

A 34-year-old Delhi resident has tested positive for Monkeypox disease, the fourth case in India. He was on Sunday admitted to a hospital where he is being provided specialised treatment. 

The patient has no history of international travel. The case is believed to be a result of local human-to-human transmission. This comes a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

Monkeypox symptoms

Monkeypox is a self-limiting viral infection. The symptoms last 15-30 days. 

The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes along with rashes. Although mostly mild, it can lead to complications and deaths in children and those with a weak immune system.

Monkeypox treatment or prevention 

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have physical relation with someone with monkeypox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 
How Monkeypox spreads  

Monkeypox disease spreads in many ways. The virus can spread from person to person through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetuses through the placenta.
• Some people can also get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkeypox vaccine 

There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox yet. Monkeypox-infected patients are advised to stay isolated.  
“Vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Thus, prior smallpox vaccination may result in milder illness,” according to the WHO.