The Ministry of Health publishes the do’s and don’ts to prevent the spread of Monkeypox

A monkeypox task force has been formed to closely monitor the emerging situation in the country and decide on response initiatives to combat the spread of the disease

New Delhi, first published Aug 3, 2022, 5:40 PM IST

The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday released a list of do’s and don’ts to prevent monkeypox in light of the rise in monkeypox cases in the country. He further pointed out that anyone can contract the virus if they come into contact with an infected person repeatedly or for a prolonged period.

The ministry recommended using hand sanitizers or washing hands with soap and water, covering mouths with masks and hands with disposable gloves when near patients, and using disinfectants to disinfect the area surrounding the sick person as some of the measures to prevent the disease from spreading.

Avoid sharing towels, beds, clothes and other items with those who have tested positive for the virus, as prohibited by the Union Health Ministry Ministry recommended avoiding public gatherings even if you just show signs of illness and don’t wash dirty clothes or bedding of sick and uninfected people together.

Read also | Creation of a task force to closely monitor the monkeypox virus in India

“Don’t stigmatize anyone who has the virus, even people suspected of having the virus,” he said. Also, it is advisable not to trust rumors or false information.

A monkeypox task force has meanwhile been set up to carefully monitor the developing situation in the country and choose reactive measures to stop the spread of the disease. According to official sources quoted by PTI, he would also offer advice to the government on the growth of diagnostic facilities in the country and examine new trends in vaccines against diseases.

Monkeypox has just been declared a global public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO describes monkeypox as a viral zoonosis, or a virus that spreads from animals to humans, showing symptoms comparable to smallpox but clinically less severe.

Read also | The Center invites tenders from pharmaceutical companies to develop monkeypox vaccines and diagnostic kits

Last updated Aug 3, 2022 5:40 PM IST