Who should be most concerned about monkeypox?
India's first confirmed case of Monkeypox has caused great alarm in the country.
According to recent reports, a man who had recently returned from the UAE tested positive for monkeypox in Kerala.
State Health Minister Veena George told ANI, "There is nothing to worry about or to be anxious about. All the steps are being taken and the patient is stable." The primary contact of the affected individual have been identified, which include his father, mother, a taxi driver, an auto driver, and 11 fellow passengers from adjacent seats, as per reports.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare, viral zoonotic infection, which can spread from animals to humans and from person to person.
Although monkeypox cases are alarmingly rising in different parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that in most cases, the symptoms of monkeypox go away on their own within a few weeks.
However, the global health agency warns against the complications caused by the monkeypox virus, which includes secondary skin infections, pneumonia, confusion, and eye problems. In the past, between 1% to 10% of people with monkeypox have died, says the WHO.
That said, let's take a look at the groups of people who are more prone to the infection.
Who is most at risk?
People who have a close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who has monkeypox should take proper measures to stay safe from the virus. Additionally, those who are regular contact with animals such as rodents and primates must safeguard themselves by taking control measures.
Health workers caring for monkeypox patients
As is known, monkeypox spreads to human through close contact with an infected person or animal, including through face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. That said, healthcare workers caring for monkeypox patients must also be vigilant and should take extra measures to protect themselves.
Those with underlying immune deficiencies may be at an increased risk of serious symptoms
According to the WHO, newborn infants, young children and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms, and in rare cases, death from monkeypox.
An immune deficiency disease or disorder occurs when the immune system does not function properly or does not work as expected. People born with a deficiency from a genetic cause are known as primary immunodeficient. There are over 200 primary immunodeficiency disorders.
If you were vaccinated against smallpox, you can expect some protection
Smallpox vaccines are said to be effective against monkeypox.
Given that monkeypox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox, the smallpox (MVA) vaccine is said to provide a good level of protection against monkeypox, as per the NHS.
"1 dose of the smallpox (MVA) vaccine will be offered to help reduce the severity of monkeypox symptoms and prevent future infections. If you continue to be exposed, you may be offered a 2nd dose," the health body adds.
Signs of monkeypox to watch out for
Symptoms of monkeypox are said to typically appear in 6-13 days. However, it can take as long as three weeks after exposure to show and can last for upto two to four weeks.
The UK's National Health Services (NHS) reports that it can take between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.
Some of the symptoms include:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering (chills)
- Exhaustion