Monkeypox

• The ongoing monkeypox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses an escalating threat, not just to the nation but to the entire world.
• Also, the World Health Organization has confirmed sexual transmission of monkeypox in the Congo for the first time as the country’s experiences its biggest-ever outbreak.

ABOUT M-POX

• It was first reported in 1958, in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in humans in 1970, also in the DRC.
• Monkeypox, also called mpox, has been endemic in parts of Central and West Africa for decades, where it mostly jumped into humans from animal and caused limited outbreaks.
• The natural reservoir of the virus is unknown – various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are susceptible.
• Transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
• The monkeypox virus causes fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals.
• Most people recover within several weeks without requiring hospitalisation.
• There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Monkeypox infection.