New Delhi: The threat of monkeypox is increasing rapidly all over the world. In just two weeks, the number of monkeypox cases in 12 countries has reached 100. The cases are expected to increase rapidly going forward. However, not a single death has been recorded from the disease so far. The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted all countries about this virus. As of 21 May 2022, there have been 92 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the world and 28 suspected cases are under investigation. Cases of monkeypox have been reported from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Meanwhile, Belgium has become the first country to mandate a 21-day monkeypox quarantine period for all confirmed cases.

What is Monkeypox: Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus, which is similar to smallpox. Monkeypox is mostly spread from animals to humans. It is a viral infection, which was first detected in a monkey captured in 1958. In 1970, monkeypox infection was first detected in humans.

Symptoms of monkeypox: Its initial symptoms are like flu. These include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, shivering, and fatigue. After this, a pus-filled rash starts to emerge on the face, which also spreads to other parts of the body and after a few days dries and falls off. According to the WHO, the symptoms of monkeypox can come from the 5th day of infection to the 21st day. Monkeypox can be spread by exposure to fluids (sneezes, saliva) emitted from the bodies of infected animals or infected humans. The estimated rate of spread of this virus is said to be 3.3 to 30 percent. Monkeypox is usually spread by coming into contact with one human being to another. This virus can go in through a surface, bed, cloth or breath. This virus is also spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Treatment of monkeypox: People exposed to this virus are often given a few doses of smallpox vaccines. Along with this, scientists are also engaged in making its antiviral drugs. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has advised isolating all patients with Monkeypox and administering the smallpox vaccine.

What is India's preparation: The central government is also worried about Monkeypox. An alert has been issued to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in view of the rapidly spreading infection. The Health Ministry has directed the authorities of airports and ports to immediately isolate any sick passenger who has returned from a trip to monkeypox-affected countries and send the sample to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for testing.

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