Monkey Pox

Monkeypox Disease Alert in Pakistan

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare disease similar to smallpox caused by a virus.Monkeypox is a viral disease that is similar in many ways to human smallpox, but is less severe. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the family Poxviridae. Monkeypox was first identified in humans in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. Since then, sporadic cases and outbreaks of monkeypox have occurred in Africa and, more recently, in other parts of the world, including the United States.

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. In some cases, the rash can be quite severe and can leave scars.

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as rodents, squirrels, and monkeys, or through contact with infected humans. The disease is not highly contagious, but it can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and contaminated objects.

There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care can be provided to help manage the symptoms. A smallpox vaccine can also provide some protection against monkeypox, but it is not widely available. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have monkeypox, it is important to seek medical attention right away.The National Institute of Health (NIH) expert on Monday has confirmed that no further monkeypox case was detected in country as all the national and provincial health authorities had been advised to remain on high alert for any suspected case of this virus.

Focal Person NIH Dr Muhammad Suleman talking to a Private news channel said that the Centre for Disease Control, NIH was strictly monitoring the situation and would keep the stakeholders updated.He further said that the two patients who were admitted in PIMS hospital are now completely stable and recovered from the infection, adding, there is no need to panic.

Replying to a question, he explained the virus is not much severe as chickenpox and coronavirus, adding, Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and also between people coming from infected countries, he said.

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions, he added.

The virus spreads when someone is in close contact with an infected person, he said, adding, the virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth.