What is the Monkeypox virus? Is there an outbreak of the monkeypox virus in India?

Monkeypox is a virus that causes a disease similar to smallpox, but usually less severe. It is usually spread from animals to humans through direct contact, but can also be spread from person to person.

India’s Union Health Ministry has issued instructions for heightened vigilance at all international airports and land borders, especially those bordering Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The health ministry’s proactive measures are part of a wider strategy to prevent the virus from entering the country and spreading within it, the Press Trust of India reported.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that forms blisters. While not usually life-threatening, it can be serious in some cases. Also, the rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash goes through different stages before forming a crust and eventually falls off.

How does it spread?

The virus can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals’ blood, body fluids, or skin or mucosal lesions. In addition, human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated materials.

Is monkeypox virus serious?

Although monkeypox is usually self-limited, meaning it resolves without specific treatment, it can sometimes cause severe illness, especially in children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

The virus was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, hence the name “monkeypox,” but its natural reservoir is thought to be rodents and other small mammals in Central and West Africa.