Experts burst some myths related to MonkeyPox

CHANDIGARH

As the name implies, the viral illness known as monkeypox travels from sick monkeys to people. Given that the virus is a member of the same family, it is fairly comparable to smallpox. Fever, headache, muscular pains, tiredness, or enlarged lymph nodes are typical signs of monkeypox.

It may also be transferred by a few rodents. It transmits to people by an infected animal’s blood, fur, or bodily fluid. If only one person is infected, a pandemic might develop if proper precautions are not taken. We must raise awareness of this very thing.

Myth: The virus is brand-new.

Untrue: The monkeypox virus is an ancient virus that is still common in African nations.

Myth: There is no cure for monkeypox.

Fact: The condition is self-limiting, and lesions will naturally heal in three to four weeks. The patient has to drink plenty of fluids and take antipyretics for body aches and fever. In addition to dietary assistance, eye and skin care should be practised, and certain anti-virals are advised.

Myth: It spreads quickly.

The primary method of transmission is sustained skin-to-skin, encounter, and tissue contact. Transmission can also be aided by droplets and fomites. It is less communicable than conditions like Covid, though.

Myth: The smallpox vaccine offers no protection.

The immunization has historically been found to provide up to 85% protection against smallpox, although this has not been researched for the present instances.

Myth: Monkeypox will commonly affect non-vegetarians.

Factual statement: Consuming non-vegetarian cuisine does not automatically entail that one meal will be infected with the monkeypox virus. However, the danger of illness increases if non-vegetarian food is undercooked or improperly prepared food and animal.

Myth: A monkeypox patient does not need to be kept in isolation.

Factual statement: Infected individuals can transfer the illness to others with ease. Due to the fact that airborne droplets carrying the monkeypox virus are heavier than covid-19 and cannot move far, it is advised to stay in a closed area while wearing full protective clothing.

Myth: It may transfer from people to animals and the other way around.

It is not generally known how people spread to animals. There is evidence that rodents and animals like monkeys have spread to humans.

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