Monkeypox in Pakistan Latest Updates Symptoms Prevention and WHO Response

Nowadays, the Monkeypox virus (pox) is a topic of public health concern in Pakistan as three patients have been identified in Pakistan with the monkeypox virus when they arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The Health Department in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province confirmed this news. All three patients have been quarantined for now. It is not yet clear which variant was detected.

The Government of Pakistan takes immediate steps against the monkeypox virus in Pakistan. It sets up Screening measures at airports and isolates passengers in case of suspected virus, as it is a zoonotic virus that can be transferred from animal to human and also from human to human.

According to the airport administration spokesperson, the sample is sent to the lab for testing in case of any symptoms.

What is the MonkeyPox virus?

It is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus of orthopoxvirus of the poxviridae family. It was first reported in 1958 in monkeys, and the first human case was reported in 1970 in Congo. It is a zoonotic virus (means can be transferred from animals to humans). It spreads in humans when they contact infected animals or bodily fluids.

Symptoms of the Monkeypox virus

The symptoms of the monkeypox virus are somewhat similar to the pox virus but are milder, which includes 

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Swollen nodes 

• Backache

• Swollen Lymph nodes

• Chilli followed by Rash will lead to flat lesions, raised bumps, and blemishes.

In severe cases, it may cause bacterial infection, respiratory issues, and even death may occur.

Hand rashes may signal Mpox. Seek medical advice for proper care.

Incubation period

In the case of a virus-infected individual, an incubation of 7 to 14 days is recommended, but it may vary from 5 to 21 days.

Prevention

It is recommended that  contact with the infected individual or animals is avoided as it is a contagious disease and that good hygiene is practised.

Treatment

These two vaccine most commonly used for preventing mpox infection is JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex)and ACAM2000, which are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the United States, there is now sufficient supply of JYNNEOS available in the commercial market.JYNNEOS vaccine is safe vaccine and  can be used in immunocompromised patients.It is recommended for individual of age 18 years or older. While on the other hand ACAM 2000 is used in persons who are determined to be at higher risk formpox this is not advisable for immunocompromised patients as it has serious side effects so can be given under the medication guide given by FDA.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Mpox is challenging as its symptoms may mimic other infections and conditions like chicken pox, measles, and bacterial infection. The best test recommended for the diagnosis of pox is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). In this, the specimen is directly collected from the Rash or skin fluid by swabbing, and in the absence of any skin lesions,  it can be taken directly by a swab of the throat or anus.

WHO response to Monkeypox Virus.

Monkeypox virus outbreaks occur worldwide, including in Africa, and their spread is facilitated by international travelling. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this as the international concern of Public health emergency after the confirmation of a new variant of the virus. 

Although its fatal rate is lower as compared to Smallpox, it can cause complications in Pregnant women and immunocompromised Patients.WHO members are researching its treatment, vaccine, diagnostic tools, etc.

FAQ

Q1.Is thier any Vaccine available for monkey pox virus?

Answer:Yes,two vaccine are approved by FDA agianst mpox virus JYNNEOS and ACAM2000.

Q2.What is the Death rate due to monkey pox?

Answer:It is estimated that 0.1 and 10% people diet due to mpox virus.

Q3.How long a person get sick with mpox virus?

Answer 3:A person mostly recover in 2 to 4 weeks depending on their infection severity.

Q4.How does mpox Spread?

Answer:mpox is a zoonotic virus means it can transfer from infected animal to human or when infected person come in contact with other person.