Pakistan has recently gone on high alert after the emergence of monkeypox, an infectious disease, in the United States and UK. Here, we have all you need to know about the recent infectious outbreak and what is being done to prevent it.
After 111 cases of monkeypox were recently detected in the US and UK, the Sindh Health Department issued a high alert notice on Monday, based on the concern that the virus can spread in Pakistan. In an official statement, the Sindh Health department recommended increased surveillance to prevent the infectious outbreak.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus that spreads from wild animals, such as rats to humans in exceptional cases. The disease springs from Central and West Africa, hence, the majority of human cases have occurred there.
How does monkeypox spread?
Experts said that the virus can be transmitted through contact with skin lesions or droplets from a contaminated person, as well as through shared items such as bedding or towels.
Symptoms and Cure
Monkeypox is from the same family of viruses as smallpox, although its symptoms are less severe. Majority of patients experience fever, body pains, chills, and exhaustion. People with severe illnesses may develop rashes and sores on the face and hands that can spread to other areas of the body.
The infection period lasts between approximately five days and three weeks. The majority of people recover within two to four weeks without hospitalization.
Precautionary Measures
As part of precautionary measures, the health department will be screening inbound passengers coming from virus-hit countries. Further, the health department has requested that hospitals across Sindh immediately report any suspicious cases to Sindh Health Department.
