Don’t Fear Monkeypox; Stay Alert And Follow Precautions

Due to the outbreak of monkeypox in certain parts of the world, the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency. Considering the speed of transmission and the severity of the disease, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidelines and ordered their implementation.

In the wake of the monkeypox outbreak, the Public Health Department has issued guidelines for monkeypox surveillance, prevention, and control measures. These include alerting all airports, ports, and health teams, preparing testing laboratories, equipping health facilities for examinations, and taking immediate preventive actions if a monkeypox case is found.

What is Monkeypox ?

Monkeypox is caused by the Orthopoxvirus, a type of DNA virus. Certain types of squirrels and rodents are natural hosts of this virus. The infected patient is contagious to others from one to two days before the rash appears until the scabs from the sores fall off or the lesions heal completely.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through direct physical contact, bodily fluids, sexual contact, or discharge from wounds. It can also spread through contaminated clothing or prolonged contact with an infected person via large respiratory droplets. Additionally, monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites from infected animals or consuming undercooked meat from infected animals.

Symptoms of Suspected Cases:

In suspected cases, individuals who have traveled to monkeypox-affected countries in the past three weeks may suddenly develop a rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, body aches, extreme fatigue, sore throat, and cough.

Precautions to Avoid the Disease:

Suspected monkeypox patients should be isolated promptly. Avoid contact with the patient’s clothing or bedding. Maintain hand hygiene. Use PPE kits when treating monkeypox patients in healthcare facilities. Citizens should follow the government-issued guidelines and not believe in rumors.

Preventive Measures:

The administration is taking all necessary precautions regarding the monkeypox outbreak. The Public Health Department has instructed surveillance, prevention, and control of monkeypox in their respective areas. Health Services Commissioner Ranga Nayak held a meeting with department heads and issued instructions to all regional health deputy directors, health officers, municipal health officers, district health officers, and district surgeons. Citizens can avoid the spread of this disease by remaining vigilant.

Ranga Nayak, Commissioner of Health Services and Managing Director, National Health Mission

Citizens should stay alert rather than fear the infectious monkeypox disease. Follow the guidelines issued by the Public Health Department. If a suspected case or symptoms are found, immediately contact the nearest government health center.

Compiled by: District Information Office, Pune