With more than 700 cases of monkeypox detected in more than 27 countries, the World Health Organization has reported that while it is not a new disease, what is striking this time is the significant increase in non-endemic counties that were not observed before. The UN health agency also noted that it is extremely important not to generate stigma against people who are at risk, which includes men who have sex with men. “The reason is that if people feel stigmatized, they won’t feel comfortable presenting themselves for diagnosis and care. And that will put other people at risk.”
How is the recent outbreak of Monkeypox different from earlier times?
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, of the WHO, noted that monkeypox is not a new disease, saying that “what is different now is that we are seeing cases in other countries that do not normally have monkeypox. “It’s very unusual. We’ve had an occasional outbreak or a single case detected in a West African traveler. But nothing like that.”
How to take care of patients?
Most people do not have a serious case of monkeypox and can be treated conservatively with regular care when needed.
The most important thing about monkeypox is that it causes a rash that can be uncomfortable, itchy, and painful, “Lewis said. basically taking care of the skin and taking care of any symptoms that someone may have, such as pain or itching. “
It is important to know that research for many years has also yielded some vaccines and treatments for monkeypox. However, the WHO does not recommend mass vaccination.
How does the virus spread?
The monkey’s smallpox spreads through face to face, skin to skin, direct contact. This is how it has always been described. There may be new things happening now in this outbreak. We don’t know everything. Much remains to be learned.
Currently, the most exposed people seem to be men who have sex with men. Apart from that, those who are in contact with the infected person, including their relatives, are also at risk. In addition, because this virus spreads through close contact, it means that in the healthcare field, a healthcare worker who does not know what they are dealing with and may not have the proper personal protective equipment may be exposed to. accidentally.
Important not to generate stigma
The WHO official also noted that it is very important not to stigmatize at-risk population groups. This includes men who have sex with men.
The reason is that if people feel stigmatized, they will not feel comfortable presenting themselves for diagnosis and care. And we really want to reach out to people who may be at risk.
(With contributions from agencies)
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