Voice 9, Environment Desk: The Republic of Congo and several countries on
the African continent have been affected by monkeypox. Observing its impact,
the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global threat. There is
a high possibility of rapid transmission of this disease. The organization has
reported that 99,176 people have been infected so far, with 208 fatalities.
This disease has been observed in 116 countries since 2022. However, the most
concerning aspect is the emergence of a new strain of the disease that is currently
spreading through sexual transmission.
Monkeypox is typically a type of viral infection. Besides fever, the disease
can lead to the formation of pustules that can be fatal until the patient
recovers. Children are particularly vulnerable to this disease. The World
Health Organization has emphasized the need for international cooperation to
combat this disease and reduce its spread. No infections with this disease have
been reported in India this year. In 2022, a few initial cases of monkeypox
will have been identified in Kerala.
During the infection, the patient usually experiences a fever for about five
days initially. Headaches and pustules are also visible. Within two days of the
onset of fever, the skin starts to crack. Pustules begin to appear on the hands
and soles of the feet and gradually spread to the eyes and genitals. It is
known that this disease is identified through PCR testing for the DNA virus.
Doctors warn that being in close proximity to an infected individual can
increase the risk of contracting the disease. The virus can also enter a
healthy person's body through the respiratory system, wounds, nose, mouth, or
eyes without sexual contact. Experts suggest that infection can also spread
through contaminated clothing and bedding used by the infected person.
