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| image courtesy: World Health Organization |
It is crucial to raise awareness of outbreaks of disease to ensure more effective protection as well as treatment. So, we've brought in an expert who dispel some common misconceptions about monkeypox.
In the world, more than 30,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported. This includes countries that didn't see it being a threat. India has reported nine cases, including one fatality. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current monkeypox outbreak as a worldwide health emergency. Since the virus outbreak sparked alarm all over the world the public has been eager to know the nature of the virus and how it spreads and the best ways to safeguard themselves. Although plenty details are available about monkeypox, which is a brand-new virus that is accessible to all, there are a few misconceptions about the disease that are appearing on the news..
Don't worry as we're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions by providing essential facts to ensure that you are able to protect yourself.
This information is validated by a consultant doctor and specialist in infectious diseases who helped me debunk the misconceptions concerning monkeypox with facts.
He declared that Monkeypox has been making headlines for a few days now, and with thousands of patients spread across more than 80 countries around the world, this virulent virus has spread to India too. It is therefore crucial to spread awareness among the public."
There are five myths surrounding the monkeypox virus, which need to be smashed:
01. Monkeypox is the latest Covid-19 strain.
Monkeypox is not a virus. It is part of the smallpox family of viruses. The coronavirus and monkeypox share no relation. The coronavirus has a totally different life cycle and transmission. It is not possible to contract monkeypox taking public transport or in a shop in which you rub against one another because it's not as airborne as Covid.
Although the amount of cases of monkeypox are increasing however, it's not displaying the death toll we witnessed during the initial stages in the covid-19 epidemic. It is clear that monkeypox won't have the same devastating consequences as Covid-19. The symptoms and signs of the virus can be unpleasant and extremely severe.
2. Monkeypox is a brand new virus
Fact: No. It was first identified in the 1950s through study on monkeys (hence that name). The first human case was reported in the year 1970 , in the area of Congo within Africa. The virus has been extensively studied and medical journals contain all the details regarding its spread and treatment. Although it mostly affects animals, the virus may also affect humans. Headaches, chills, fever as well as muscle pains and weakness are some symptoms. In more serious cases, a rash can appear on the face or the genital area.
3. Monkeypox is only affecting gay and bisexual males
Fact: NO. While this outbreak may have symptoms distinct from previous outbreaks which include genital lesion, anal pain, penile and rectal swelling along with bleeding around the penile, it's not restricted to the sexual orientations mentioned above. A WHO expert, says that as some people of social media sites have tried to say, this isn't an issue of homosexuality. Simply said, that's false. Anyone can contract monkeypox by intimate contact.
However, men who are sexually active with other men and don't take precautions when they are sexually involved are more susceptible to the disease. The disease can also be found in heterosexuals.
4. There is no cure for the infection of monkeypox
Fact: No. In the majority of cases, monkeypox virus is self-limiting since the majority of cases self heals within two to four weeks. If found to be infected there are treatments against monkeypox. To treat symptoms of the disease isolating fluids, hydration and electrolyte maintenance and antipyretics are all that is required. Paracetamol, antivirals or other NSAIDs as well as nutrition support, skin care eye care, breathing support can all be utilized to treat the pain and fever.
5. Monkeys are the only animals that spread monkeypox
No. The term monkeypox is actually an error. The name comes due to the research monkeys who came from Denmark from 1958 from which this virus was the first to be discovered. Monkeys are not involved directly with transmission the disease. However, they could contract the disease just like other primates. The transmission and spread of the disease can occur via rodent bites, similar to squirrels.
If you're aware of the monkeypox myths Be aware instead of believing in or falling for falsehoods or incorrect information.
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