June 16, 2022
- A new virus called monkeypox has hit parts of the world. The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox but causes milder symptoms—fever, rash and swollen lymph glands.
- The incubation period is from about five days to three weeks. Most people recover within about two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalised.
- There are no known cases of monkeypox in India. Also, those who have been vaccinated for smallpox will have protection against monkeypox infection.
- The Indian government has directed airport officers to screen all international passengers and isolate and test any sick passenger with a travel history to monkeypox-affected countries, which include Israel, Australia, USA, UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Austria, Canary Islands, Israel and Switzerland.
- Monkeypox primarily occurs in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa.
