The world may hardly have recovered from the Covid pandemic, but another contagion warning has been issued. There have been more than 100 confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox—a viral disease first detected in simians—in nearly 20 countries. Although it is much more difficult to contract than COVID and has mostly mild symptoms, it can be fatal, and its spread has alarmed experts enough to take precautionary measures. The Indian Ministry of Health is reported to have prepared guidelines for the prevention and treatment of monkeypox, only in case of domestic outbreaks.
As its name suggests, this rarely known disease presents chickenpox-like symptoms which include rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever and muscle aches. It’s been around for decades without attracting too much attention. However, it is contagious, even if it is mild, and that is enough to maintain alertness. One of the lessons the deadliest pandemic has taught us in a century is that early detection of a health threat can make a difference. This means that we can waste time, energy and other resources on fears that become empty. But after the nightmare of the past two years, we shouldn’t be complaining about it.