Monkeypox outbreak reported in 11 countries, WHO calls for emergency meet; All you need to know
Several countries have reported an outbreak of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) that causes smallpox-like infection. The virus according to the World Health Organisation is described as an “under-recognized” and “underreported emerging disease.”
As of Friday, May 20, 2022, 11 countries that do not normally report Monkeypox have confirmed cases of infections.
According to the health authorities and www.global.health/ 111 people across 11 countries are reportedly infected or suspected to be infected as of Friday.
Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, US and UK are the coutries that have reported the cases of Monkeypox. The virus, experts said can be fatal in some cases.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which originates in wild animals like rodents and primates, and then spreads to people.
It’s usually a mild viral infection. The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox (Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae). This genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.
There are two types of strains of the virus – the Congo strain and the West African Strain. The Congo strain is more severe "with up to 10% mortality” (even up to 15%), Death is more likely among kids.
The West African strain, on the other hand, is less severe and has a case fatality rate of about 1% of cases.
It’s not immediately known what strain is found in the countries with reported cases, though the UK cases have been reported as the West African strain.
While epidemiology experts say monkeypox usually is “extremely rare”, the US CDC has expressed concern over the surge in transmission and warned that the UK outbreak could spread — alongside Portugal and Spain outbreaks.
“It is so unusual. Yet I see people saying it’s nothing, just like the flu. Do we never learn to follow new data?” said Harvard epidemiologist Dr. Eric Feign-Ding.
Previous studies state monkeypox is airborne — and stable for up to 90 hours, which could mean it’s infectious during that period (3.75 days).
Is the monkeypox virus airborne?
“Monkeypox is likely aerosol airborne,” said Harvard epidemiologist Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, citing a 2012 study published in the Journal of Virological Methods.
“I pray we’ve learned our lesson with #COVIDisAirborne and don’t repeat the droplet vs airborne 2-year nonsense.”
Are there drugs or vaccines specifically against monkeypox?
Currently, there are no monkeypox-specific drugs or vaccines. In the past, smallpox vaccines had been used to curb monkeypox viral transmission.
Are there drugs or vaccines specifically against monkeypox?
Currently, there are no monkeypox-specific drugs or vaccines. In the past, smallpox vaccines had been used to curb monkeypox viral transmission.
Was there a previous outbreak of monkeypox?
In 2003, a monkeypox outbreak was recorded in the US. It was traced back to imported exotic animals. In that outbreak, 71 people in 6 US states contracted monkeypox.
How can you get infected with monkeypox?
The virus enters the body through:
Broken skin (even if not visible), Respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), A bite by an infected animal, Touching its blood, body fluids or fur. Eating meat from an infected animal that has not been cooked properly could expose a person to the virus, Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the rash, Touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs, or getting too close to coughs and sneezes from an infected person.
It is thought to be spread by rodents, such as rats, mice and squirrels. Key point: Human-to-human transmission is possible.
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India & Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership, vow to soon conclude free trade deal
Jerusalem (PTI): India and Israel on Thursday elevated their "time-tested" relationship to a special strategic partnership and agreed to soon firm up a "mutually beneficial" free trade deal even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly backed the Gaza peace initiative, asserting that humanity must never become a victim of conflict.
Following talks between Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, the two sides inked a plethora of agreements to expand cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payment.
India and Israel also vowed to expand their already close defence partnership by working towards joint development and joint production of military hardware under the framework of the transfer of technologies.
In his media statement, Modi said India's security interest is linked to peace and stability in the Middle East, adding that New Delhi fully supports the Gaza Peace Initiative.
"India's stance is clear: humanity must never become a victim of conflict. A path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan. India has fully supported these efforts," he said.
"In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries," he said.
PM Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit. It is his second visit to Israel in nine years.
In his remarks, the prime minister said India and Israel have a united view that there is no place for terrorism in the world and both sides stand shoulder-to-shoulder in countering terrorism and its supporters.
"Our relationship is founded on the strong bedrock of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities. Our bond has stood the test of every trial of time," he said.
"Today, we have taken the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to the status of a 'Special Strategic Partnership'," he said.
The prime minister also announced the establishment of an India-Israel critical and emerging technologies partnership to impart a new momentum for cooperation in areas of artificial intelligence, quantum, and critical minerals. "I am pleased that an agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel," he said.
The prime minister, referring to the threat of terrorism, said India and Israel will continue to confront the menace unitedly.
"India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. In any form, in any expression, terrorism cannot be accepted," he said.
"We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and we will continue to do so," he added.
India and Israel also discussed the implementation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the framework of I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
