Monkeypox is spreading fast, so are myths; Here are 4 Monkeypox related misconceptions

by Shatakshi Gupta

The monkeypox outbreak is spreading rapidly in several nations of the world, including India. More than 20,000 cases have been registered so far in different parts of the world. In India, the virus has been verified in nine individuals to yet, one of whom died on Saturday. The outbreak of monkeypox has been deemed a “global health emergency” by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to the rising danger of this virus over the world.

In many countries, the monkeypox infection is a recent development. As a result, there is a dearth of accurate information about the disease, which has led to the rapid spread of false and misleading information.

According to medical professionals, people can only prevent a disease when they are well informed about it. People need to exercise extreme caution in light of how quickly false information and rumors about monkeypox are disseminating on social media. Misinformation is an illness that might be challenging to cure. Here, we are busting some misconceptions about monkeypox illness.

Monkeypox is lethal

Since the commencement of the monkeypox outbreak, it has been reported that the disease can be extremely lethal. The likelihood of surviving monkeypox infection is significantly low, however authorities in medicine rule this out.

The US CDC estimates that 99 percent of those who contract monkeypox have a chance of recovering and living a long life. Rarely do significant complications result from monkeypox. The signs of this viral infection can, however, be severe.

Monkeypox infection is incurable

Read more: Is Monkeypox the next pandemic? India issues new guidelines

Regarding the management and prevention of monkeypox, there is a great deal of misunderstanding among individuals. On social media, it is further alleged that there is no effective vaccine or treatment to stop this virus. Despite the fact that the US CDC claims the viruses that cause monkeypox and smallpox are genetically identical. Monkeypox can be avoided with the same vaccines as are used to guard against the smallpox virus. The smallpox vaccine can help guard against monkeypox infection.

 Monkeypox and smallpox are the same

Despite having a similar appearance to one other, monkeypox and smallpox have quite different disease statuses, according to medical specialists. Monkeypox symptoms include painful lymph node swelling, which is another one of this infection’s characteristics. As a result, comparing it to an infection like smallpox is incorrect. Both are additionally treated using other techniques.

The infection of monkeypox spreads through air

 The infection of monkeypox is also the subject of numerous rumors. According to some stories, this virus spreads through breathing, much like a corona. However, research has shown that individuals are more likely to contract monkeypox if they are in close proximity to an infected person, come into contact with a wound or bodily fluid, or have physical contact with an infected person. No proof exists that it has dispersed through the air.