Understanding The Monkeypox Surge In Young Men Aged 18-44: Government's Latest Advisory

In a breaking story, India has confirmed its first case of Monkeypox in a patient who travelled from a country experiencing Monkeypox transmission. To understand this infectious and globally threatening disease, we spoke to Dr Piyush Mishra, General Physician and Immunisation Officer, North East District, New Delhi. 

Dr Piyush said, “The government has issued an advisory on Monkeypox today, reflecting rising concerns over its potential spread.” 

What Is Monkeypox?

According to the National Library of Medicine, Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox, but generally less severe. While historically confined to certain parts of Africa, recent outbreaks have demonstrated its potential for wider spread.

Symptoms Of Monkeypox

The symptoms of monkeypox typically begin with:

• Fever: Often one of the first signs.
• Headache: Accompanying the fever.
• Muscle Aches: Generalised muscle pain.
• Backache: Specific pain in the lower back.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: A distinguishing feature from smallpox.
• Chills and Exhaustion: Overall feeling of tiredness.

Within 1-3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, a rash (how to treat heat rashes) develops, often starting on the face before spreading to other body parts. The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.

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Transmission Of Monkeypox

Monkeypox can spread from animals to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through:

• Respiratory Droplets: Close contact with respiratory secretions.
• Direct Contact: With the skin lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Contaminated Objects: Touching items that have come into contact with the virus.

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Government Advisory On Prevention

The recent government advisory highlighted the fact that most cases of Monkeypox are detected in male aged between 18-44 years. In a study published in the World Journal of Emergency Medicine, found that in large urban areas, 95.7% cases are in male.

In light of the recent advisory, the government has outlined several key measures for preventing the spread of monkeypox:

• Avoid Contact: Minimise exposure to animals that could harbour the virus, particularly in affected regions.
• Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use masks, gloves, and protective clothing when caring for infected individuals.
• Isolation: Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk.
• Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine has been shown to prevent monkeypox. Consult health authorities about the availability and advisability of vaccination.

Treatment And Management

There is no specific treatment available for monkeypox. However, care is generally supportive, aiming to relieve symptoms and manage complications. In some cases, antiviral drugs that are used for smallpox may be employed under medical supervision.

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