A rare virus disease called monkeypox has been reported, which has already spread to more than 15 countries around the world. Hundreds of people have been affected. The infectious viral disease is more prevalent in West and Central Africa, but now spread beyond its borders to other countries. The virus is now found in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The WHO and health officials in different countries have become alarmed and various studies have been started. Scientists are trying to understand whether the source and form of this virus have changed.
Monkeypox infections have been reported in 11 African countries since 1980. In 2016, 200 people were infected with the virus in Nigeria. In 2003, the disease was diagnosed in 60 out of 60 people in the United States.
The disease was first identified in monkeys, which is why the disease is called monkeypox. Monkeypox was identified on May 8 in the body of the first European to return to England from Nigeria. The University of Oxford Academy has since confirmed the infection in 100 people outside Africa.
Experts say there is a possibility of contracting the virus through social contact. However, this is not a very serious one. Monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same family and have two mutated species - Central African and West African.
Public health experts fear that the outbreak could be exacerbated by the influx of people during the upcoming summer festivals, parties, and holidays in Europe and other countries. Several factors, including climate change and increasing global travel, are accelerating the spread of the virus. In the current context of the covid epidemic, health experts around the world are urging people to be more vigilant about any new virus outbreak.
Experts believe that the potential for monkeypox infection is relatively low. The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected people, monkeys, rats, or infected objects. It enters the body through fragile skin, trachea, eyes, nose, or mouth. The initial symptoms of the virus are fever, severe headache, back pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. The infected person initially develops a fever and develops a rash on the face within the first to third day. This is followed by a rash on the hands and soles of the feet and a complete blister. The infected person usually recovers within 2-4 weeks.
No vaccines or drugs have been discovered for monkeypox in general. However, according to the WHO, the smallpox vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing monkeypox. Experts have advised avoiding contact with infected people.
No cases of the virus have been reported in Bangladesh so far. However, the Bangladesh Health Department has already sent warning messages to various ports. Special arrangements have been made for the health examination of the affected persons. If such a person is identified or has symptoms, the Institute of Pathology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) or the Department of Health must be notified.
References: WHO, Department of Health, IEDCR
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