There have been no occurrences of monkeypox in Pakistan thus far, and the virus is less contagious than smallpox: Experts from the National Institutes of Health

There have been no occurrences of monkeypox in Pakistan thus far, and the virus is less contagious than smallpox: Experts from the National Institutes of Health

ISLAMABAD: Health experts from the National Institute of Health Islamabad (NIH) said on Saturday that those sick with monkeypox should isolate themselves at home because it is less hazardous than chickenpox and there haven't been many occurrences of monkeypox in Pakistan so far.

In an interview with PTV, NIH Laboratory Coordinator Nazish Badar said that the symptoms of smallpox and chicken pox are quite similar to the viral disease monkeypox, which includes fever, headache, muscle discomfort, weariness, and skin pimples.

He advised the public not to be alarmed and to disregard rumours about the sickness.

She suggested that early preventive steps be taken, such as wearing masks and gloves while going to marketplaces and gatherings, and washing hands after interacting with others.

The viral illness can be transferred by contact with skin lesions or droplets from a contaminated person, as well as through shared goods such as beds or towels, according to Dr. Shafiq-Ur-Rehman, Scientific Officer at the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, the NIH focal person on infectious diseases, stated that monkeypox is not a new disease and that the DNA virus was first detected in monkeys in 1958. He also stated that monkeypox is a benign illness that most cases recover on their own without treatment.

Monkeypox has been documented as a viral disease in various other Central and Western African countries, according to Dr. Muhammad Wasif Malik, Senior Scientific Officer of the National Institutes of Health.

Patients with monkeypox should wear a surgical mask, especially if they have respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and so on, according to her.

Infected people entering in the country can spread the illness, so the health department should screen inbound passengers from virus-affected countries, he added.

Pakistan is prepared, according to NIH Scientific Officer Dr. Wajiha Waqar, in light of rising illnesses in non-endemic nations, and the NIH department has already issued an alert for health professionals to follow standard operating protocols if monkeypox infection is confirmed.

Experts at the National Institutes of Health also recommended that anyone with a history of travel to monkeypox-infected nations keep a close eye on any odd symptoms.