Aug 21, 2024
By: Kapil Yadav
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Mpox formerly known as Monkeypox is an infectious disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, that can occur in humans and animals. Recently, WHO has declared Monkeypox an 'international concern' due to the rising number of cases.
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The virus was first identified in Asian monkeys during research conducted in a laboratory in Denmark. Its name reflects its origins, tracing back to monkeys.
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The first human case was confirmed in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in a nine-month-old boy.
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After the first human case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the virus quickly spread to the neighbouring African countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Recently, there have been a few reported cases in India, found in individuals with a travel history to Africa.
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In 2022, there was a surge in the number of cases with most cases reported in non-African countries, in the region of Europe and North America. More than 95,196 were confirmed in regions that historically never reported Mpox.
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The symptoms of monkeypox usually appear 5 to 21 after the exposure. The most common symptoms include a rash, which can last for 2-4 weeks followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
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Since Monkeypox is communicable, the best thing is to avoid contact with the infected person. If a person you know has been infected, make sure to isolate them. Frequently, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol sanitiser.
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Based on what WHO says, people who are at risk of exposure to Mpox should be considered for the vaccine. A 2-dose vaccine named JYNNEOS was developed to protect against smallpox and Mpox.
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There is no specific approved antiviral vaccine for Mpox but people with a good immune system usually recover on their own with little medical attention. But, patients with severe symptoms should definitely consider medical attention.
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