IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

MONKEYPOX VIRUS

19th May, 2022 Health

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Context

  • Monkeypox cases jumped to seven infections in total, with three in London and one in North East England.

 

Monkey Pox Virus

About

  • Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africaand is occasionally exported to other regions.
  • The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congoduring a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.
  • Scientists have so far discovered two distinct genetic groups of monkeypox virus—Central African and West African.

 

Cause

  • It is caused by monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.
  • Monkeypox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. But Smallpox had a higher fatality rate than monkeypox.
  • Smallpox was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980.

 

Symptoms

  • Monkeypox is characterised by flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, which gradually progresses to a widespread rash all over the face and body.

 

Transmission

  • Monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates, but human-to-human transmission also occurs.
  • It spreads from one person to another via respiratory droplets.

 

Treatment

  • There is currently no specific treatment recommended for monkeypox.
  • Vaccination against smallpox was about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
  • Thus, prior childhood smallpox vaccination may result in a milder disease course.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/monkeypox-virus-four-new-cases-warning-signs-to-watch-out-for/amp_etphotostory/91640026.cms