Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection of the Mpox virus (Mpox virus symptoms). It is similar to smallpox but is generally less severe. This virus can spread by touching an infected person or things used by him. Medicines and vaccines are available to treat Mpox, so it is not considered a major threat, but recently its cases (Mpox Virus in India) have been seen in some places in India, which makes it clear that it is very important to have the right information about this disease and to take some special measures for prevention without delay. Let us look at 5 myths related to Mpox virus (Monkeypox Virus Myths) in this article.

What is Mpox?

Ampox is a disease caused by a specific virus, the ampox virus. This virus is similar to the smallpox virus. Ampox was first discovered in animals in 1958 and in humans in 1970. The disease causes fever, rashes on the body and swollen glands. Its symptoms are similar to smallpox, but it is usually not as serious.

Myth 1: Monkeypox and smallpox are the same

Both ampox and smallpox are diseases, but they are different from each other. Both are caused by different viruses. Talking about smallpox, it was a very serious disease and was also eradicated in 1980. On the other hand, ampox is not as serious as smallpox and the mortality rate is also not as high as smallpox. The vaccines used to prevent smallpox are not completely effective against ampox, which is why new vaccines are being made for ampox.

Myth 2: Ampox affects only a few people

Ampox is not restricted to any particular group or country. This disease can affect a person living in any part of the world. Recently, cases of this disease have been seen more in cities and certain communities. This disease spreads through contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated objects. It is not a disease associated with any particular lifestyle or group.

Myth 3: Monkeypox spreads easily

Monkeypox is not as easily spread as the common cold or flu. The disease is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, such as through contact with body fluids, skin lesions or contaminated objects. Just a brief socializing is not enough to cause the disease.

Myth 4: There is no effective treatment for monkeypox

There is currently no specific antiviral drug for monkeypox, but there are a number of treatments to reduce symptoms. Rest, fluids, and painkillers are usually very helpful. Vaccines and some antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may also be effective in treating monkeypox. However, scientists are constantly researching to find more effective treatments for this disease.

Myth 5: Monkeypox can spread through the air

Since COVID-19 , people have started treating monkeypox as similar to corona. However, both diseases spread differently. Corona spreads through the air, while monkeypox spreads through direct contact with a sick person. Therefore, to avoid monkeypox, it is very important to take care of cleanliness and maintain distance from the infected.