In wake of the first monkeypox case being confirmed in the state of Kerala, Mysuru District Administration in Karnataka has stepped vigil to prevent its spread. A 35 year old man returned from UAE is confirmed to have been diagnosed with the disease. Following the discovery, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released fresh guidelines to manage the spread of the disease. Screening along the Karnataka interstate check post in Taluk has also been intensified.

As per the ministry's guidelines, international passengers should avoid close contact with illness and with dead or alive wild animals.

Read on to know more about the precautionary measures.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. It is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals, in this case monkey) with symptoms similar to those seen in smallpox patients. There are two distinct genetic clades of the monkeypox virus – the Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade.

Reportedly, around 60 countries in which monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of the viral disease as confirmed cases cross 10,400 mark.

It is crucial to note that many of the symptoms of monkeypox virus can be easily confused with other diseases, such as chickenpox, herpes or syphilis. So medical confirmation is advised.

Mode of transmission

Human-to-human transmission is the primary mode of transmission requiring a breathing in close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens of an infected person.

Animal-to-human transmission

It may also occur by bite or scratch of infected animals like small mammals including rats, squirrels and through minimally processed bush meat.

Incubation period

The incubation period for monkeypox is around 1-2 weeks. While the first symptoms can range from fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, lymph node enlargement, followed by rashes after a couple of days.