With reference to the Monkeypox, consider the following statements: It...
**Background Information:**
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that primarily affects animals, including monkeys, rodents, and other mammals. It can also infect humans, resulting in a zoonotic spillover. The disease was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. Monkeypox is similar to human smallpox but is less severe. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as handling monkeys, squirrels, or other animals that carry the virus. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through respiratory droplets or contact with bodily fluids or skin lesions of infected individuals.
**Statement 1: It is a viral disease which spreads to the human population through zoonotic spillovers.**
This statement is correct. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus can infect humans through direct contact with infected animals, such as bites, scratches, or handling of infected animals. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with bodily fluids or skin lesions of infected individuals. Zoonotic spillovers occur when a virus jumps from its natural animal host to a new species, in this case, humans.
**Statement 2: There is no effective vaccine available for this infection.**
This statement is correct. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for monkeypox, and there is no licensed vaccine specifically for monkeypox. However, smallpox vaccine, which is closely related to monkeypox, has been used to prevent monkeypox. The smallpox vaccine provides some level of protection against monkeypox and has been successfully used in controlling monkeypox outbreaks in the past.
**Conclusion:**
Both statements are correct. Monkeypox is a viral disease that spreads to the human population through zoonotic spillovers. Currently, there is no specific vaccine available for monkeypox, but the smallpox vaccine can provide some level of protection.
With reference to the Monkeypox, consider the following statements: It...
Recently, there has been an increase in reported cases of Monkeypox from some countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific Region.
- What it is? It is a viral disease that primarily spread to the human population through zoonotic spillovers, with rodents and primates serving as potential reservoirs.
- The first case in humans was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Transmission: It can be transmitted between humans through close contact and exposure to infected bodily fluids or lesions.
- Incubation period: The incubation period (the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, Fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes which may lead to a range of medical complications.
- There is no effective vaccine available for Monkeypox infection.
Hence both statements are correct.
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