Monkey Goats Reach India: Know the Signs and Guidelines to Prevent Their Spread

The worldwide monkeypox scare has hit India. Kerala has reported the country’s first case of monkeypox after a 35-year-old man returned from the UAE and tested positive for the virus. According to agencies, the case was confirmed by testing samples from a symptomatic person at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. This case has put health authorities in the country on high alert to facilitate public health measures to ensure preparedness for the disease.

The Union Health Ministry has deployed a multidisciplinary central team to support the Kerala government in investigating the outbreak and implementing necessary preventive measures.

It is June 2022 World Health Organization announced that the presence of monkeypox had been identified in more than 40 countries. Spread is increasing.

What are monkey goats?

Monkeypox virus it is known to be in remote parts of Central and West Africa. However, it began to spread to parts of Europe, the United States and even Australia after people traveled back and forth from infected areas.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes monkeypox as a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Some of the known symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and even a rash.

According to the CDC, the rash can appear on the face, in the mouth, as well as on other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or even the anus.

The disease can last 2-4 weeks.

Read also: Monkey Goats: Early Signs to Look Out for in Children

Transmission of monkeypox

The Indian government’s guidelines on the control of monkeypox disease reveal that this disease is transmitted from human to human or from animal to human.

In the case of human-to-human transmission, it mostly occurs through large respiratory droplets, which usually require prolonged close contact. Other reasons may include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material and indirect contact with lesion material,
for example through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

While animal-to-human transmission can result from the bite or scratch of infected animals such as rats, squirrels or monkeys and apes.

Preventive measures

The Indian government is currently focusing on increasing risk communication and disseminating information on preventive measures. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this is the main strategy to prevent monkeypox.

1. Contact

You should avoid contact with materials such as bedding that have been in contact with a sick person.

2. Isolation

Infected patients should be isolated from others.

3. Hand hygiene

Covid-19 has taught people the importance of good hand hygiene. Washing hands after contact with infected animals or people is essential.

4. Protective equipment

If you are caring for an infected person, ensure that you use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).