More than 30,000 cases of monkeypox virus have been reported worldwide. At the same time, it also affects those countries where no cases have been reported so far. With this, 9 cases of monkeypox have been reported in India and one person has died. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox as a global health agency. At the same time, increasing infection with the monkeypox virus is becoming a matter of concern to the world. Thus, the reason for its spread and appropriate protection measures are sought. However, a lot of information is available about monkeypox. Since this is a new type of infection, many myths related to it also sit in people’s minds.
However, you need not worry at all, as we have come up with some important facts about the myths related to monkey pox. Which will help you overcome this problem in time.
Health Shorts spoke to Dr. Charu Datta Arora, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist, Amerihome Healthcare – Asia Hospital. The doctor provided some concrete facts to dispel the myths associated with monkeypox. So let’s know what are the important facts.
Dr. Dutta says that monkeypox has been the topic of discussion among everyone for many days and has affected several thousand patients in more than 80 countries around the world. In addition, there is a possibility of its rapid expansion in India as well. Therefore, it is very important to have accurate information about monkeypox virus in humans.
Find out here 5 myths related to monkeypox, about which it is important to have accurate information
Myth 1. Monkeypox is a new strain of COVID-19
Fact – What family does the monkeypox virus belong to? Monkeypox and the coronavirus have nothing to do with each other. The transmission and life cycle of the two are also completely different. Never spread this problem by coming into contact with each other on public transport and in shops. It is not an airborne disease like covid.
Although cases of monkeypox are increasing rapidly and in large numbers. But it doesn’t hurt people like the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the monkeypox virus is much less dangerous than what we experienced in the early stages of Covid-19. At the same time, it is safe to say that there is a huge difference between the effects of monkeypox and Covid-19. However, the symptoms of the monkeypox virus are much more serious.
Myth 2. Monkeypox is a new virus
Fact – Not at all, monkeypox was first discovered in research conducted on monkeys in the 1950s. That’s why it was named after the monkey. On the other hand, its first human case was seen in 1970 in the Congo region of Africa. At the same time, the medical cause and symptoms are studied in detail. Then it was discovered that it can affect not only animals but also humans. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and feeling weak are some of the common symptoms. In addition, if it becomes severe, the rash starts to appear on the face and genitals.
Myth 3. Monkeypox only affects gay and bisexual men
Fact – This myth is completely wrong. However, the symptoms seen in modern day monkeypox are completely different from the symptoms last time. In the past, symptoms such as ulcers on the genital organs, pain in the kidneys, swelling of the rectum and penis, and bleeding from the rectum were seen. WHO expert Andy Sill says that “many people have pointed out on social media that monkeypox is not just a gay problem. It can happen to any person. In addition, if two people are very close to each other or are in physical contact, then the chances of its spreading increase greatly.
In addition, if two men have intercourse with each other without protection, then their chances of infection increase greatly. In addition, this viral disease has also been observed in heterosexual individuals.
Myth 4. There is no cure for monkeypox infection
Fact – This is completely wrong. The monkeypox virus itself can only affect you for a limited time. It usually gets better on its own in 2 to 4 weeks. If it is really treated on time then it is quite easy to cure. Things like isolation, fluids, hydration, maintenance of electrolytes and antipyretics are enough to take care of this disease. Paracetamol, antiviral or other NSAIDs, nutritional support, skin care, eye care, and respiratory support are used to relieve the fever and pain associated with monkeypox.
Myth 5. Only monkeys spread monkeypox
Under the name monkeypox virus, it is completely wrong to understand that only monkeys can spread it. It was called monkey pox because it was first found in monkeys. But gradually this problem began to appear in humans as well. So it has nothing to do with monkeys, he was with this problem can also be caused by squirrel bites.
