Monkeypox Virus: The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked countries to increase vigilance against monkeypox, while the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also warned that it is very important to prioritize the needs of children in the fight against this epidemic.
New Delhi: Cases of Monkeypox virus are increasing rapidly all over the world. This deadly virus has even reached Pakistan. Monkeypox has killed more than 600 people in Congo. In such a situation, UNICEF’s concerns are increasing. According to AFP news, to control the rapidly deteriorating situation, UNICEF on Saturday issued emergency tenders for anti-Monkeypox Vaccines, so that the countries affected by the virus can be helped as soon as possible. Meanwhile, India has also made preparations to deal with the Monkeypox virus. So far this year, more than 18,000 suspected cases of Mpox have been reported in DRC, in which 629 deaths have occurred. UNICEF said in a statement issued along with the World Health Organization, Gavi Vaccine Alliance and Africa CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), “The purpose of issuing the emergency tender is to immediately deliver the available Ampox vaccines to those in need as well as to increase the production of the vaccine. Depending on the demand, the production capacity of the manufacturers and funding, agreements for up to 12 million doses can be made by 2025.
In the emergency tender, UNICEF has planned to make the vaccine available under contract with vaccine manufacturers. This will enable UNICEF to buy the vaccine without any delay and deliver it to the needy. Along with this, planning is also being done regarding the fund and distribution of the vaccine. Concerned by the increase in cases of the new clade 1B strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the WHO declared an international emergency on monkeypox on 14 August, which spread to the surrounding countries.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox. They appear less severe in the beginning. These symptoms are like skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body ache, fatigue in the body. Symptoms of monkeypox begin within 21 days of coming in contact with the virus. If you have flu-like symptoms, you will probably get rashes after 1-4 days. The rash from monkeypox goes through several stages before it heals, including crusting. The rash may initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Where are the most cases of monkeypox?
More than half of the cases found in children under the age of 15 are active in the Republic of Congo alone. According to the Congo Health Ministry, now 18 thousand cases of monkeypox have been reported in the country, while more than 600 people have died. No case has been reported in India yet. In the most affected countries around the world, widespread malnutrition, crowded living conditions, the presence of other infectious diseases, and limited access to health services are making the spread of monkeypox a dangerous situation for children. UNICEF has said that it is providing support to national governments in Africa and in collaboration with WHO as well as other partners like USAID and FCDO.
Pakistan in panic of monkeypox
The number of ‘monkeypox’ cases in the country has increased to five after a passenger in Peshawar, Pakistan was confirmed to be infected with the monkeypox virus, while a suspected case of the deadly virus has been reported in Karachi. Health officials gave this information on Saturday. Dr. Irshad Ali, Director of Public Health of the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that medical personnel at the airport found symptoms of ‘ampox’ in two passengers returning from Jeddah on Thursday and only one of them was confirmed to have the ampox virus. The confirmed case includes a 51-year-old man from Orakzai, whose condition is said to be stable and he has been sent to a hospital in Peshawar for treatment. Dr. Irshad said, ‘We are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to prevent the spread of infection.’ Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in Karachi after showing symptoms like ampox.
