Monkeypox: WHO declares global health emergency; why India should get battle ready?

The outbreak of monkeypox, which has afflicted nearly 16,000 people in 72 countries, was classified as a global health emergency on Saturday by the World Health Organization, the highest alert it can issue. According to a count released on July 20 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox has afflicted over 15,800 persons in 72 countries. Since early May, there has been an increase in monkeypox cases outside of the West and Central African nations where the illness has long been endemic. On June 23, the WHO established an emergency committee (EC) of experts to determine if monkeypox qualifies as a PHEIC, the highest degree of alert recognised by the UN health organisation.

Also read | Monkeypox virus in semen? WHO probes if it's a sexually transmitted disease

What is Monkeypox and what are the latest symptoms of Monkeypox?

According to CDC of the US, Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, Monkeypox virus has been reported in people in several central and western African countries. The latest symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, rashes all over the body, severe headache, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. The incubation period of Monkeypox virus is usually from 6 to 13 days, but it can range from five to 21 days. The skin eruption usually begins within 1–3 days of appearance of fever. The rash tends to be more concentrated on the face and extremities rather than on the trunk.

Watch | WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name

Why is Monkeypox virus spreading so fast?

The main reason for the Monkeypox outbreak and the virus spreading so fast is the carelessness of people. Even after the cases increasing day by day, people are not taking the required precautions. Currently, no countries have applied any travel restrictions. These were also one of the reason in the increase in number of Covid-19 cases earlier, and the same case is seen in Monkeypox.

Spread through sexual activity: Report

The largest study to date, involving 528 individuals in 16 nations, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and found that 95% of cases were spread through sexual activity. 

Approximately a third of those affected were known to have gone to sex-on-site locations like sex parties or saunas within the previous month. Overall, 98 percent of those infected were gay or bisexual men.

Also read | As monkeypox cases rise in US, CDC issues new guidance

CDC Sex Guidelines related to Monkeypox

Yes, you heard it right! Monkeypox can spread through sexual intercourse or direct physical contact. Though CDC suggests to avoid direct physical contact, it has given some sex guidelines to prevent the spread of Monkeypox. Here are some of them:

1. Have virtual sex with no in-person contact.

2. Masturbate together at a distance of at least 6 feet, without touching each other and without touching any rash or sores.

3. Consider having intercourse with your clothes on or covering areas where rash or sores are present, reducing as much skin-to-skin contact as possible.

4.Avoid kissing.

5. Remember to wash your hands, bed sheets and other things used. 

6. Limit your number of partners to avoid opportunities for Monkeypox to spread.

See the infographic below,

Why should India get battle-ready for Monkeypox?

Many new countries like South Korea and Singapore have started to report cases of Monkeypox. According to latest reports, the virus is now spreading from person to person even in non-endemic countries. India should also get ready and take the necessary precautions as the Monkeypox virus can also enter India any day. The government should apply necessary travel restrictions. Vaccines should be given to the one's who have not got it yet and senior citizens and small children should try to stay indoors. India has to prepare itself to not face situations like it did in the COVID-19 outbreak. 

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