Although the WHO has declared monkey pox a global emergency, the WHO Chief has clearly stated that mass vaccination is still not recommended.
There are several myths and notions in circulation about monkey pox at the moment. The article," Monkey Pox - Is the threat real or not?" busts several myths surrounding the disease.
In most cases, the symptoms recede with time, and the condition does not become fatal. However, infants, children, and immuno-compromised individuals may be at a higher risk.
Due to the similarity with smallpox, a small pox vaccine was initially approved for monkey pox as well. Currently, two vaccines, namely, ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM(also known as Imvamune or Imvanex), have been licenced and rolled out in the US.
Similarly, two antiviral drugs, Tecovirimat and Brincidofovir, which proved effective in the treatment of smallpox, have now been approved for the treatment of monkeypox. The rashes associated with the disease should be kept clean and scratching needs to be avoided. Salt water rinses are recommended for oral lesions. Warm baths with baking soda and epsom salts can give relief to body lesions. Lidocaine helps relieve pain in oral and perianal lesions.
Every disease brings its own set of challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to make advances in the field of health and medicine. It is imperative that we rise to and overcome this challenge.
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