Mpox rumor sparks panic
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 31 2024: A viral message claiming detection of Monkeypox cases in Jiribam district caused panic across the state on Saturday.

The message, which circulated rapidly on social media, included photos of children with skin infections, sparking fear among residents.

However, the information was later debunked by health authorities.

According to a report from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Jiribam, three cases of skin infections involving minor children were reported at the district hospital on Friday afternoon.

Two of the affected children are residents of neighbouring Assam, while the third child is from Jiribam district.

Preliminary examinations suggested that the skin infections were likely caused by chickenpox or other viral lesion, rather than Monkeypox.

The children have been advised to remain in home isolation for 10 days and seek further assistance from local ASHA and Anganwadi workers if needed.

Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is an infectious viral disease that affects both humans and animals.

Symptoms include a rash that progresses to blisters and crusts, along with fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Although the illness is typically mild, most individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment.

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a disease of international concern.

The virus is predominantly found in African nations, with some cases reported in some Western countries.

The first confirmed Mpox case in Asia was recently detected in Thailand.

Monkeypox can spread through close contact, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects, and physical contact with infected animals.

Notably, an individual with Monkeypox can be contagious up to four days before symptoms appear, a phase known as pre-symptomatic transmission.

However, they are no longer contagious once all wounds have healed, the scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed, a process that can take several weeks.

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