Monkeypox virus outbreak: More than 1000 cases reported in 29 countries so far

Twenty-nine countries have reported monkeypox virus cases in the current outbreak, which began in May. No deaths have been detected in non-endemic countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the risk of the zoonotic virus becoming established in these non-endemic countries was "real but preventable at this point", Reuters reported. 

Pic courtesy: Reuters

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that initially shows flu-like symptoms and later leads to rashes on the body. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health defines it as "Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2-to-4 weeks. In parts of central and west Africa where monkeypox occurs, people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products.” 

 

The WHO chief said the monkeypox outbreak was showing signs of community transmission in some countries. The agency has recommended monkeypox patients to isolate at home.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspect that the monkeypox virus may be airborne at least for "short distances". The CDC has urged people and healthcare workers in close contact to wear masks, IANS cited media reports. 

India is on alert with the Centre issuing guidelines on the monkeypox virus. However, no case of monkeypox has been detected in the country yet.