Monkeypox: Dos and Don’ts of the Disease That You Should Know

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which was first discovered in 1958. The virus is usually transmitted by coming in close contact with an infected person or animal through respiratory droplets, body fluids, etc. Generally, children are more vulnerable to the disease. However, in the current outbreak, men are more prone to the monkeypox infection than women and children.

The monkeypox infection causes similar symptoms to smallpox but is comparatively milder. The infection cures with time as it is a self-limiting disease. Besides, the vaccine for smallpox is also effective against monkeypox infection. Although there is no proven cure for monkeypox, it is covered by all regular health insurance plans in India.

Monkeypox was limited to the African continent, where the first human monkeypox case was found in 1970, until now. The current outbreak of the disease initially spread to the United Kingdom and has now been reported in over 85 countries. As a result, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak as a global health emergency on July 23, 2022.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms usually last for about 2 to 4 weeks and mostly, do not cause severe health complications. Take a look at the most common symptoms of Monkeypox below:

Body rashes (similar to pimples or blisters)
Fever
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Headache
Chills
Cough
Body Aches
Sore Throat
Fatigue
Nasal Congestion
Discomfort

Dos and Don’ts That You Must Follow to Prevent Monkeypox

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India has released a list of dos and don’ts that you must follow to prevent Monkeypox infection. Take a look at them below:

Dos to Prevent the Monkeypox Infection:

Wash your hands regularly with soap or water
Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if washing your hands is not possible
Isolate the infected person from other people
Wear a face mask and disposable gloves when you go near an infected person
Clean the contaminated surfaces and materials using disinfectants
Consume fully-cooked meat only

Don’ts to Prevent the Monkeypox Infection:

Do not touch the rashes of the infected person
Do not share the clothes, bedding or towels with an infected person
Do not consume food and drinks from the same glass as used by an infected person
Do not wash used linen and bedding of an infected person with the clothes of non-infected people
Do not come close to a person who has a rash similar to the monkeypox infection
Do not attend public events if you have any symptoms of monkeypox
Do not spread wrong information among people about the monkeypox outbreak
Do not come in close contact with stray monkeys, sick animals and rodents

Summing It Up

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause a lot of painful rashes and discomfort. In some cases, it can lead to severe complications and can even be fatal. So far, the monkeypox virus has claimed 10 lives across the globe, including one in India. In fact, several countries have declared monkeypox as an endemic.

Given the rate at which the disease is spreading across the world, following the dos and don’ts of monkeypox is the best way to prevent contracting the disease. You can also take the smallpox vaccine as the monkeypox vaccine to stay protected against the infection. Moreover, make sure to cover your entire family under health insurance to get financial support in case a monkeypox infection leads to elaborate medical expenses.