Monkeypox outbreak: Over 400 cases detected in 24 countries, more to come says WHO

• With nearly 120 suspected cases, the monkeypox virus could escalate further, says WHO.
• The virus is typically transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
• India is prepared for the outbreak situation and kids are more susceptible to the virus, says ICMR.

As many as 400 cases of monkeypox have been reported across 24 countries, so far. While it is too early to call it a pandemic, the World Health Organization or WHO warned that the cases of this disease may escalate further.

“The situation is evolving and WHO expects there will be more cases of monkeypox identified as surveillance expands in non-endemic countries,” said WHO on the outbreak.

Monkeypox is not a newly discovered virus, however, it is raising concerns worldwide. No cases of this disease have been reported in India as yet.

It is a viral zoonotic disease — that spreads from animals to humans. It occurs primarily in tropical rainforests in central and west Africa. But it has been rapidly spreading to European countries, Australia, Canada, US and the UK.

Who all are at risk and how is it transmitted?

The virus is typically transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as beddings.

According to a WHO report, it can also be transmitted via the placenta from mother to fetus or during close contact during and after birth.

“Close physical contact is a well-known risk factor for transmission. However, it is unclear at this time if monkeypox can be transmitted specifically through sexual transmission routes. Studies are needed to better understand this risk,” the report said.

The duration of this infection usually ranges between 6-13 days but in some cases it can last up to 21 days as well.

There are higher chances of community transmission as well. “We are afraid that it will be spread in the community but currently it is very hard to assess this risk. We are also investigating this and trying to understand the origin of this sudden outbreak of monkeypox in non-endemic countries,” said Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness.

The fatality ratio of the virus was between 0 to 11% for the general population in 2003. But, in the recently discovered cases, it is higher at 3-6% and even higher amongst young children.

The elderly are safer than the children

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) says that the country is prepared for an outbreak in India. It also highlighted that kids are more susceptible to it.

“Kids are more susceptible as the elderly people would be vaccinated for smallpox. After the 1980s, people who did not get the smallpox vaccine gave cross-immunity to fight against the infection, so the younger people will be more susceptible,” said Dr Aparna Mukherjee, ICMR scientist to news agency ANI in an interview.

SEE ALSO:
Wheat export ban seems to be taking effect as atta prices soften
An Indian home can live for a year with the energy it needs to mine a single Bitcoin