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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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
