Latest News, Monkeypox
200+ official cases of Monkeypox recorded worldwide- India is prepared, no cases in country yet, says The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
With the rise in monkeypox cases worldwide, even if there are no recorded cases in India as of yet, the officials are keeping a close watch on developments related to the disease and are fully prepared.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) official on Friday (May 27, 2022) said that India is prepared in view of increasing infections in the non-endemic countries. The ICMR official also added that no cases have been reported in the country so far. Dr Aparna Mukherjee, Scientist C, ICMR in an interview with news agency ANI said, "India is prepared for the infections as it is rapidly spreading in non-endemic countries like Europe, USA and others. However, no cases have been reported in India so far."
On 26 May, 2022, the World Health Organisation informed that more than 200 confirmed or suspected cases of Monkeypox have been reported from 20 countries. A senior official from the global health body feared there would be a community spread of Monkeypox.
Keep close watch on the unusual symptoms
Officials have emphasised on keeping a close watch on unusual symptoms, especially those who have a travel history from the monkeypox-infected countries. We should observe the unusual symptoms like high fever, a lot of lymphadenopathies, large lymph nodes, body ache, rashes, etc, especially those who have travel history from infected countries.
People who witness the symptoms can get tested, either from the fluid that comes out of those lesions or the respiratory samples and like. The National Institute of virology has the setting for testing these viruses.
Do not panic
The health experts further said that people should not panic and avoid close contact with those who test positive for monkeypox.
The health experts say that Kids are more susceptible to the infection. The elderly people would be vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine. After the 1980s, people who did not get the smallpox vaccine that gives cross-immunity to fight against the infection, so the younger people will be more susceptible. The treatment is the same for both children and adults.
Indian firm develops RT-PCR based kit to detect virus
A medical devices company on Friday announced that it has developed a real-time RT-PCR-based kit for the detection of Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus) virus. The Research and Development team of Trivitron Healthcare has developed an RT-PCR based kit for the detection of Monkeypox virus. Trivitron`s Monkeypox Real-Time PCR Kit is a four colour fluorescence based kit, which can differentiate between Smallpox and Monkeypox in a one-tube single reaction format, with a total turnaround time of 1 hour.
No vaccination available as of yet
As per the WHO officials, there is no need for mass vaccination against the Monkeypox virus at present, but targeted vaccination is available for those who have had close contact with infected people.
Health Ministry to issue guidelines on monkeypox soon
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry will soon be releasing guidelines on monkeypox. The guidelines will include principles of management like isolation, contact tracing, contact monitoring, preventive measures, and risk assessment.
The guidelines will include an advisory for international travellers. They should avoid close contact with sick people, contact with dead or alive, wild animals such as mammals including rodents and non-human primates (monkeys, apes), and contact with contaminated materials used by sick people should also be avoided. Consult the nearest health facility if you develop symptoms suggestive of monkeypox like fever with rash or in case you were in an area where Monkeypox has been reported or in case you came in contact with a person who has symptoms of Monkeypox.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines on prevention and treatment
Until the ICMR releases its guidelines, lets take a look at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) comprehensive prevention and treatment guidelines for monkeypox.
Prevention
- Avoid contact with animals that could be infected with the virus such as sick animals, animals found dead in areas where the disease occurs.
- Avoid contact with bedding, towels, clothes, etc which has been in contact with an infected animal or person.
- Isolation of infected persons is important to prevent the spread of the virus.
- After contact with infected animals or humans, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Wear a Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) suit when caring for infected people closely.
In case a person is infected with Monkeypox, the disease will take its course and last for 2-4 weeks. Children are more susceptible to the virus and may face more severe symptoms according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) guide.
Treatment
- Patients with exensive lesions or respiratory symptoms should be isolated in a room or area separate from other family members and pets.
- Infected humans should wear a surgical mask and so should the other household members.
- Skin lesions should be covered to the best extent possible with long sleeves, long pants, bandages to minimize contact with others.
- While the patient is in home isolation, disposable gloves should be worn when directly contacting with lesions.
- Bedding, towels, clothing of the infected person may be handled with a car while washing to avoid contact with contaminated material.
- Dishes and utensils should not be shared with other non-infected people at home.
- Maintaining hand hygiene is important by infected humans and household contacts as well after touching lesion material, clothing, other surfaces.
