Monkeypox is a contagious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The viral infection closely resembles smallpox. Monkeypox has been declared endemic in a few countries, and cases have recently increased.
Monkeypox symptoms are usually not too severe. There is nothing to be concerned about in terms of adults. However, in some cases, it can be fatal to children.
According to Piyush Ranjan, Additional Professor from the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, Delhi, there is no cause for concern because the monkeypox virus has a much lower infectivity than the COVID-19 virus. The doctor, however, warned that monkeypox can be fatal to children.
Symptoms of monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox and smallpox are very similar. Symptoms of discomfort, fever, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and chills are common among infected people, including children.
Parents should be on the lookout for the following symptoms in their children.
Rashes: Rashes appear on the second or third day after a child becomes infected. The rashes typically begin on the face and spread to the hands, palms, and feet. The majority of rashes become filled with fluid.
Fever: Children are more prone to fever than adults in monkeypox patients. It is always best to see a doctor as soon as you notice a fever in your children.
How to prevent from getting infected
In order to protect your children, you should take the following precautions.
1. Prevent your child from getting in contact with monkeys, rodents and sick animals. Also stop children from visiting the areas where there are dead animals.
2. Consume only fully cooked meat
3. Make sure that children don’t come in contact with infected individuals
4. Advise the children to keep their hands clean by washing them with soap and water
5. Use alcohol-based sanitizers for children.
Monkeypox Treatment
Monkeypox has no specific treatment. Rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications are likely to help keep you comfortable and prevent serious complications.
To control an outbreak, doctors could turn to antivirals and vaccinia gamma globulin (made from the blood of people recently vaccinated against smallpox) as well as the smallpox
