13 European and North American nations reported Monkeypox cases in the past week.
Highlights:
- Confirmed cases stand at 40 worldwide.
- The disease is related to smallpox.
- US health services describe it as “rare but potentially serious”.
NEW YORK: The US reported its second case of possible Monkeypox on 19th May in New York City. According to a statement from the city health department, the patient is currently in isolation at Bellevue Hospital. This follows the first case in Massachusetts. Both US patients are in stable condition and recovering. A fraction of the cases reported come after recent trips to Africa, however, reasons for community spread are under review
What is Monkeypox?
“Based on findings of the Massachusetts case and the recent cases in the UK, clinicians should consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present with an otherwise unexplained rash and 1) travelled, in the last 30 days, to a country that has recently had confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox 2) report contact with a person or people with confirmed or suspected monkeypox, or 3) is a man who reports sexual contact with other men. This clinical guidance is consistent with recommendations from UK health officials and US federal health officials, based on identified cases,” said Massachusetts health officials in a press release.
Medical professionals describe the virus as a “rare but potentially serious” disease. The primary method of transportation is coughing/sneezing and coming in contact with bodily fluids. The current strain of the disease is mild. Severe strains of Monkeypox have mortality rates of 10% but mild strains report less than 1%.
Scientists believe that the similarity to smallpox can provide those vaccinated against smallpox a heightened level of protection.
Previous outbreaks:
The disease is fairly well-known in West Africa as case spikes can be observed as far back as the 1970s. Bloomberg reports that the disproportionate interest in smallpox vaccines overlooked prevention methods for other diseases such as Monkeypox.
Bites, scratches and unsafe handling of animal remains can cause the virus to spread from animals to humans. The initial point of transmission is via direct contact with animals in the Rodent family. Contrary to the name, the disease does not originate from monkeys. Monkeypox is so far unrelated to the monkey virus which saw a minor outbreak in China last year.
Read More : WHO says Monkeypox cases confirmed in 12 countries
