Got worry with Skin rashes? Learn about Monkey Pox Virus

Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland issues advisory on MonkeyPox

1. Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in Central and West Africa. Monkeypox and smallpox come from the same virus family, called Orthopoxvirus. Monkeypox is a viral infection that originated in rodents and primates and is transmitted to people. It was found in Africa, mostly around tropical rainforest regions but has now spread across the world, especially in Western countries.
2. Cases of Monkeypox have recently been reported in India.
3. Transmission from animals to humans:

Typically, the virus is transmitted by contact with an infected animal’s body secretions or a bite.

4. Transmission from human to human:
   (a) Direct physical contact: contact with bodily fluids, sexual contact, or lesion material.
   (b) Indirect contact: through contaminated clothing or linens of the affected person.
   (c) Large respiratory droplets as a result of prolonged close contact.
5. Common symptoms of Monkeypox include:
   (a) Fever.
   (b) Skin rashes (starting from the face and spreading to arms, legs, palms, and soles).
   (c) Lymph node enlargement.
   (d) Headache, muscle ache, or exhaustion.
   (e) Sore throat and cough.
6. Monkeypox can cause the following complications:
   (a) Pain in the eyes or blurry vision.
   (b) Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
   (c) Chest pain.
   (d) Altered consciousness and seizures,
   (e) Decrease in urine output.
7. Certain high-risk populations are likely to be severely affected by Monkeypox. These include:
   (a) Persons with significant co-morbidities.
   (b) Immunocompromised individuals.
8. Guidelines to follow if someone you know has Monkeypox:
   (a) Isolate infected individual. The patient should be managed in isolation.
   (b) Minimize infected individuals’ exposure to surrounding areas by covering their nose and mouth with a sheet or gown.
   (c) Inform immediate health facility.
   (d) Avoid contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothes, or towels used by the infected individual.
   (e) Maintain hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.