Monkeypox virus : People have not yet forgotten COVID-19 that now another disease has rung the alarm bells. Monkeypox has started spreading in more than 70 countries of the world, killing hundreds of people. In view of this concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency. The WHO has made this declaration after the outbreak of viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has also spread to neighboring countries. This is the second time in 2 years that Monkeypox has been declared a global emergency. An emergency is declared for any disease only when it is spreading in unusual ways. Earlier, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention had declared a health emergency in the continent regarding Monkeypox infection. It also warned that it could cross international borders, after which WHO announced it after a meeting on Wednesday.
27 thousand cases came, 1100 people lost their lives
Two years ago, the World Health Organization declared ampox an emergency. When the disease began spreading globally, it was spreading more among men who have sex with men. Ampox has been in parts of Africa for decades. The first case was reported in Congo in 1970 and outbreaks have continued since then. The worst outbreak in Congo so far was in January 2023. So far there have been 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, most of them children. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled sores and is usually mild, but can be fatal.
What are the symptoms of monkey pox?
The initial symptom after getting infected with this virus is fever. After this, symptoms like headache, swelling, back pain and muscle pain can also appear. After the fever subsides, rashes appear on the body, which often start from the face and spread to other parts of the body. These rashes can be very itchy or painful. The infection usually heals on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days. In severe cases, the lesions spread all over the body, which occur on the mouth, eyes and genitals.
How does this disease spread?
Monkeypox spreads through contact with an infected person. This includes sexual intercourse and close talking to an infected person. It can enter the body through the eyes, respiratory system, nose or mouth. Monkeypox can also spread by touching things used by an infected person. Such as bed, utensils etc. According to a BBC report, this virus can also spread from infected animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels. However, in the year 2022, the monkeypox virus spread more through sexual contact. This time too, sexual contact is the reason for the spread of monkeypox in DR Congo.
The virus has more effect on these people
The people most affected by the virus are those who have more than one partner or find new partners. Anyone who comes in contact with an infected person can also get infected.
How to prevent monkey pox
Advisory has also been issued to avoid this disease. It was told that do not go near any person infected with monkey pox and if the virus has spread in the neighborhood, keep washing hands with soap. The infected person should be isolated until the lumps heal. WHO says that condoms should be used during sex for 12 weeks after recovery. The best thing is to get vaccinated. There is a vaccine for this disease.
Changing variants are also worrying
This virus is also changing its variants. It started in Congo with Clade-I. Experts say that a new variant Clade Ib is also seen spreading easily regularly. Giving information on the social media platform X, the WHO chief has said that the emergence and spread of a new variant of ampox in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo is worrying. Its cases have also been reported in neighboring countries, which has raised concerns. He also said that it is like Covid, but not Corona.
