Awareness is important to avoid monkeypox

Panic over monkeypox has started spreading in different countries. However, the hope is that the disease has not yet been identified in Bangladesh. Experts are advising to take some precautions in this regard. They say the number of countries affected by the disease could rise further. However, they also believe that the monkeypox will not cause a major infection like the coronavirus.

A report by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control states that the infection has been detected in at least one country, especially in countries where monkeypox is not commonly seen. Most of the victims were identified as teenagers and their sex workers.

Note that in 1958, the virus was first identified in the body of a caged monkey. The monkeys were kept under observation in a laboratory in Copenhagen, Denmark. This is why the virus is named ‘Monkeypox’. Since 1980, there have been sporadic outbreaks of monkeypox in remote areas of 10 African countries. The virus was first reported outside of Africa in 2003 in the United States. Dogs and other small mammals transmit the virus to humans. A total of 61 service people were reported to have been infected in the United States. However, no one was killed. So this disease is not fatal at all. There is nothing to panic about. However, everyone should be aware to avoid this disease.

Risingbd spoke to Ryik Ridwan, a physician at Cambridge University Hospital. “Pankipox is usually spread from animals to humans through squirrels, rats, monkeys, etc.,” he said. Infected mother’s newborns are also at risk of contracting the virus. The virus can even enter a healthy person as a result of sexual intercourse with an infected person.

In this context, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Associate Professor Hasan Imam and Jamalpur Sheikh Hasina Medical College Assistant Professor Dr. Nadeem Hasan. They all advised to be aware of some things. Such as:

Use a mask all the time. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Stay clean at all times. Do not come in contact with the person infected with this disease. Do not use things used by the infected person. Especially food, plates, glasses. Not even using the same bed. Do not stay in the same room with the infected person. Stay away from sick animals. And of course, if you feel sick, seek medical help.