The monkeypox virus causes pneumonia disease, encephalitis and retina damage, said Dr Ko Ko Lwin from South Okkalapa Township based on the statement of WHO during the interview with the GNLM.
“The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 or 13 days and can range to 21 days. The symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, rash, muscle ache, exhaustion and lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are different from other diseases like chickenpox and measles,” he told the GNLM.
The monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The patients will have smallpox on their body, face, hands and legs 1-3 days.
It should watch the infection rate of monkeypox in the international countries and make preparations in the country, said MoH Deputy Minister Prof Dr Aye Tun during a coordination meeting on preventing a dengue-fever outbreak in 2022 held on 23 May.
The Public Health Department released notices based on the statements of WHO.
According to the nature of monkeypox, Myanmar has a lower risk of disease outbreaks. But it needs to accelerate disease control activities regarding these pox diseases and other diseases. Moreover, it should make preparations for suspected patients to provide medical treatment at the nearest health departments and conduct lab tests. The monkeypox disease can be transmitted to humans from animals and according to the One Health Approach, the breeding and veterinary, environmental conservation and health sectors should work together, explained MoH Deputy Minister Prof Dr Aye Tun.
There are 80 cases of monkeypox in 11 countries including the UK and another 20 suspected patients in the UK. — TWA/GNLM
