The Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital Chief, Dr. Nirmala has stated that she will create awareness among doctors and paramedic staff about the monkeypox virus spreading in European countries.
Coimbatore: Even as the Covid-19 virus seems to be on the decline, in the past 20 days, over 100 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 12 different countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against its further spread across the globe.
Following this, the Central Health Department has advised countries to intensify surveillance at airports, and this includes India as well. Coimbatore Medical College Hospital Chief, Dr. Nirmala says, "Monkey flu, also known as 'monkeypox,' is a genetically transmitted virus. It is found in Africa and is now widespread in European countries. Body sweat, which is generally reported to be transmitted through the air, is transmitted to humans through saliva.
No cases of the virus have been detected in India as yet, however, we are taking precautionary measures as per the Health Department's instructions. We are about to start the first phase of raising awareness among doctors about this virus in particular. Following this, we are going to create awareness about this virus among the paramedic staff as well," she added.
"Similarly, in case of a possible outbreak of the virus in India, immediate action will be taken to set up isolated wards at the Coimbatore Government Hospital," Dr. Nirmala further added.
The monkeypox virus which last spread to monkeys in 1958, spread to humans in the 1970s in the African country of Congo. The disease is called 'monkeypox' because it is transmitted from monkeys to humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, back pain, muscle ache, fatigue and ankle swelling. Several blisters appear on the skin like a rash.
The virus, which is commonly found only in Africa has now begun to spread to various countries. It has affected European countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In addition, the spread of the disease has been confirmed in the United States, Australia, and Canada. According to the World Health Organization officials' statement on Monday, an outbreak of the monkeypox virus in North America and Europe is primarily spreading through sex among men with about 200 confirmed and suspected cases across at least a dozen countries.
Following this, the Central Health Department has advised countries to intensify surveillance at airports, and this includes India as well. Coimbatore Medical College Hospital Chief, Dr. Nirmala says, "Monkey flu, also known as 'monkeypox,' is a genetically transmitted virus. It is found in Africa and is now widespread in European countries. Body sweat, which is generally reported to be transmitted through the air, is transmitted to humans through saliva.
No cases of the virus have been detected in India as yet, however, we are taking precautionary measures as per the Health Department's instructions. We are about to start the first phase of raising awareness among doctors about this virus in particular. Following this, we are going to create awareness about this virus among the paramedic staff as well," she added.
"Similarly, in case of a possible outbreak of the virus in India, immediate action will be taken to set up isolated wards at the Coimbatore Government Hospital," Dr. Nirmala further added.
The monkeypox virus which last spread to monkeys in 1958, spread to humans in the 1970s in the African country of Congo. The disease is called 'monkeypox' because it is transmitted from monkeys to humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, back pain, muscle ache, fatigue and ankle swelling. Several blisters appear on the skin like a rash.
The virus, which is commonly found only in Africa has now begun to spread to various countries. It has affected European countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In addition, the spread of the disease has been confirmed in the United States, Australia, and Canada. According to the World Health Organization officials' statement on Monday, an outbreak of the monkeypox virus in North America and Europe is primarily spreading through sex among men with about 200 confirmed and suspected cases across at least a dozen countries.