The monkeypox virus has already been reported in 20 countries around the world where the virus infection is not endemic. It is one of the largest outbreaks of the virus outside of West Africa, where it has been endemic for years. The virus has been reported in more than 100 people as countries seek to prepare for a counterattack with vaccines.
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Cases have already been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy and others. No cases have been reported in India so far.
While the United States said it had a stockpile of smallpox vaccine in the event of an outbreak, Germany ordered 40,000 doses of Bavarian Scandinavian vaccine to be ready to vaccinate monkeypox contacts if the outbreak in Germany became more severe. The rapid pace of transmission has puzzled scientists who have raised concerns about development.
The cases of monkeypox have been minor so far. (Photo: Reuters)
HOW DOES THE MONKEY STARS DISTRIBUTE?
Monkeypox is a virus that originates from wild animals such as rodents and primates and occasionally spreads to humans. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.
The virus is transmitted when a person comes in contact with the virus from an animal, human or material infected with the virus. According to the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus enters the body through injured skin (even if not visible), airways or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). Meanwhile, transmission from animal to human can occur by biting or scratching, cooking bush meat, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding.
Scientists are also studying human contact and the growing incidence of the monkeypox virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) also speculates that the sexual activity of two recent raves in Europe is the cause of the spread.
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A child affected by monkeypox sits on his father’s feet while being treated at the International Medical Non-Governmental Organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF), in Zomea Kaka, in the Lobaya region of the Central African Republic. (Photo: AFP)
Dr David Heyman, who previously headed the WHO’s emergency department, told the Associated Press that the leading theory explaining the spread of the disease was sexual transmission during raves in Spain and Belgium.
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The CDC states that while human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets, other transmission methods include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material and indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated clothing or underwear .
The cases of monkeypox have so far been minor, with no reported deaths. The virus usually causes fever, chills, rash and lesions on the face or genitals. Most people recover within a few weeks without having to be hospitalized.
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