A young man, recently returned from another country with ongoing Mpox (monkeypox) transmission is identified as the first suspected case of this viral disease in India.
“Samples from the patient are being tested to confirm the presence of Mpox. The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” the Union Health ministry said in a statement. The patient is currently places in isolation at a designated hospital.
As news of any disease outbreak spreads, so does misinformation. To help you sort out those facts from rumours, here are some common mpox myths with scientific logic against them.
Fact: According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this disease was first discovered in 1958. However, the first human case was reported in 1970. Mpox came into focus after rapid spread in African countries in 2022.
Fact: The rash comes as a first symptom for Mpox. According to the CDC guidelines, other symptoms of Mpox are headache, periodic fever, muscle pain, low energy, exhaustion, sore throat. Along with that, pimple or blister-like rash starts appearing throughout the body. Overall, the early symptoms of Mpox is somewhat similar to common cold. The rash may initially look like a bug bite. Eventually, the rash will go through scabbing and healing. Generally, these symptoms start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. The illness lasts for 2-4 weeks. When rash appears on patient’s body, the becomes contagious.
Fact: Unlike Corona, Mpox is not airborne. Direct and personal touch with the infected person is the most common transmission mode. The virus can live easily on the human skin surface, thus frequent hand-washing is important. Be cautious while using toilet seat in airport or train station. If anyone in your household gets detected with mpox, frequent cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is important to prevent its spread. Of course, cleaning must be done wearing gloves.
Fact: Of course, While there’s no targeted medicine for mpox. Only antiviral medications can be given to patients. If the patient is having unbearable pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given. There is only one vaccine that are available in the market against mpox. However, the CDC recommended to use it in severe cases only.
WHO has declared the current #mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 3, 2024
- How is this outbreak different from previous ones and - why did it trigger a public health emergency?
- What does that mean for countries and for you?
- Who is at risk?
- What about… pic.twitter.com/fT15yQi7IN
Credit - @WHO X handle
Fact: Well, this is partially true if precautions are not taken. The Covid-19 pandemic gave several lessons to the government to prepare for next pandemic. As this disease is not airborne and spread only through touch with the infected person, immediate isolation of the patient can drastically stop the chain.
World Health Organization (WHO) has already announced a global Mpox emergency after outbreaks in 12 African countries, a month ago.
“There is no cause of any undue concern,” the ministry said. “The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel related case and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk,” the statement added.
