The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox virus a public health emergency. Cases of monkeypox virus have been reported in most countries around the world. An alert has been issued regarding this virus in India as well. The monkeypox virus is not an airborne disease. This disease spreads by coming in contact with an infected person, skin to skin contact, sexual relations with an infected person, touching his clothes and using the bed.
At present, no treatment for monkeypox virus has been discovered. However, there are many antiviral medicines that are used to prevent diseases like smallpox and these medicines are also being given to patients of monkeypox virus. These antiviral medicines include – Tecovirimat or ST-246, Brincidofovir and Cidofovir.
In addition, intravenous vaccinia immune globulin (VIGIV), which is licensed to treat smallpox, may be authorized for use to treat smallpox and other pox viruses.
NIAID conducted 2 clinical trials of the drug tecovirimat for the treatment of the ampox virus. In September 2022, NIAID, in collaboration with ACTG (Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections), conducted a clinical trial of the tecovirimat vaccine in the US. This trial included more than 500 adults and children infected with the ampox virus. All the infected people involved in this trial were given tecovirimat. At the same time, the other participants were given placebo pills. Now researchers are collecting data on whether the participants taking tecovirimat recover faster than the participants taking placebo.
Tecovirimate- In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved tecovirimat for the treatment of smallpox. This drug can be taken both orally and by injection.
Brincidofovir- NIAID also supported brincidofovir for the treatment of smallpox. This drug was also approved for the treatment of smallpox in adults and children.
What are the symptoms of MPOX virus
The initial symptoms will include fever, severe headache, inflammation of the sinuses, back pain, muscle pain and loss of strength. Within a week of the onset of fever, blisters and red spots start appearing on the body. Mostly blisters are found on the face and hands. Apart from this, they are also found on the palms, genitals and eyes.
How to protect yourself from this virus
To avoid this virus, it is important that you wear an N95 mask, avoid going to crowded areas. And clean your hands with sanitizer after touching anything.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)