- Pakistan reports first official Monkeypox case, 2 individuals suspected of infection
- Mpox is a highly contagious viral infection.
- It causes a rash, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.
Reportedly, The Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations has directed authorities to speed up the process of screening passengers at airports and set up isolation wards in hospitals as Pakistan confirms its first few Monkeypox or Mpox cases.
The ministry announced that 87,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported globally so far. Globally, 119 deaths have been reported in various countries due to the virus.
In Pakistan, 22 samples of suspected cases have been referred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Islamabad since May 2022.
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The first case of monkeypox in Pakistan has been confirmed by the NIH among travellers returning to Pakistan. The passengers had recently returned and have been isolated at the PIMS Hospital, the ministry said.
The Health Ministry spokesman said one of the two likely patients of monkeypox is under treatment at PIMS hospital where a dedicated isolation ward has been established.
Understanding what is Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. As per the opinions of medical professionals, monkeypox can transmit from animals such as primates and rats to humans, albeit in rare circumstances. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 and was mainly found in South Africa until 2003 when cases started to break out in the US and in other countries.
Causes
Mpox is spread when you come into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. It can spread through personal contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of a person/animal who is infected. Moreover, healthy individuals can catch the virus through contact with contaminated materials like clothing, bedding and other items used by the infected person or animal.
PC: Nebraska Medicine
Monkeypox Symptoms
The symptoms of Monkeypox typically appear within hours or days after exposure and lasts 2-4 weeks. The affected area of the skin or mucous membrane may become red, swollen, and itchy. Blisters may also develop, which can rupture and cause oozing pus or crusting.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
However, not everyone develops all the symptoms, it’s different for everyone.
Treatment
Most infected people get better on their own without treatment. However, a healthcare provider will monitor the infected person’s condition and try to relieve their symptoms through antibiotics and other methods to treat bacteria.
Currently, there is no approved antiviral treatment for Mpox. For now, doctors have used antiviral drugs to help, but they haven’t been studied as a method of treatment for the virus.
If you are infected, isolate yourself, take oatmeal baths to relieve the itchiness, take painkillers and medications after virtually or verbally consulting with the doctor, and use gauze bandages to cover the infected area to prevent any further contaminations.
However, if the symptoms get worse, rush yourself to the ER and inform them of your condition immediately.
Prevention
Preventing Mpox involves taking appropriate safety measures when coming into contact with infected humans, and taking precautions in open spaces. This includes wearing long-sleeve clothing, masks and gloves, and avoiding sharing the same sleeping spaces, food etc.
A smallpox vaccine provides protection against Monkeypox, but its use is currently limited to clinical trials. There is yet to be further developments in this area.
Monkeypox is a serious infection, please take all precautions when in contact with individuals in public spaces.
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