First Mpox case in India: These 5 preventive tips can help you keep children safe

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a worldwide health emergency on August 14. Most of the cases throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo were detected in young people. Reportedly, this infectious disease is caused by monkeypox virus and can well be more severe in young people and pregnant females. “It (mpox) is a element of the same family of viruses as smallpox—a more severe disease which was eradicated throughout the Eighties. A new variant of the Mpox virus (clade Ib) is causing concern resulting from its potential for wider transmission across age groups, including young young people,” reads a statement by WHO.

Nonetheless, taking preventive measures is critical to provide protection to their health. Listed lower than are five effective methods to aid prevent mpox infection in young people.

5 tricks to lower risk of Mpox in young people

1. Promote Hand Hygiene: Encouraging regular handwashing is one in every of the foremost effective methods to forestall infections, including mpox. Teach young people to clean their hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces, using the restroom, or ahead of meals. Maintaining overall health and hygiene is likewise cardinal.
2. Keep away from Close Contact: Teenagers should steer clear of close contact with folks who should be sick or exhibiting symptoms of mpox, equivalent to rashes or fever. Encourage them to do something about a secure distance from anyone who has been diagnosed with the infection. Additionally, remind young people no longer to share personal items, equivalent to towels, utensils, or clothing, as the virus can spread through direct contact.
3. Awareness About Symptoms: Educating young people concerning the symptoms of mpox will help them recognise potential infections early. Symptoms may include fever, chills, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.  Early detection can lead to prompt medical attention, decreasing the risk of spreading the infection.
4. Limit Exposure to Animals: Mpox should be transmitted from animals to humans. Teenagers should  steer clear of contact with wild animals or any animal that appears sick.
5. Healthy Diet: An immune-boosting diet is critical to foster a healthy and string immune system. Weak immunity in young people make them more prone such infections. Hence focussing on vitamin-c rich diet, protein, fibre and nutrient-dense meals is critical.

Mpox symptoms

• Persistent high fever
• Skin rash or lesions
• Body ache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Mpox can spread from animals to people, between people and from the environment to people. The virus can spread through contact with lesions on the skin or infectious bodily fluids, contaminated personal items,  infected animals etc.
contact with contaminated materials equivalent to clothing, linen or sharps injuries in healthcare setting

First Mpox case in India

This year, the first Mpox case was detected in a man in Delhi.  The mpox patient admitted to the LNJP Clinic  is in stable condition, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Tuesday. The 26-year-old patient, a resident of Haryana’s Hisar, has only genital ulcers and skin rashes but no fever, a health department official said. The patient was kept throughout the disaster management ward of the clinic, based on a statement from the health department.

Bharadwaj emphasised that there was no deserve to panic over mpox as it spreads through contact, no longer during the air. As per PTI reports, the Union health ministry on Monday said that it was an “isolated case” and there was no immediate risk to the majority.