Children are often more vulnerable to virus and bacterial infections. Here are few preventive measures to follow in order to lower the risk of infection.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency on August 14. Most of the cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo were detected in kids. Reportedly, this infectious disease is caused by monkeypox virus and can be more severe in children and pregnant women. “It (mpox) is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox—a more severe disease which was eradicated in the 1980s. A new variant of the Mpox virus (clade Ib) is causing concern due to its potential for wider transmission across age groups, including young children,” reads a statement by WHO.
However, taking preventive measures is essential to protect their health. Here are five effective ways to help prevent mpox infection in children.
5 tips to lower risk of Mpox in kids
- Promote Hand Hygiene: Encouraging regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections, including mpox. Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces, using the restroom, or before meals. Maintaining overall health and hygiene is also cardinal.
- Avoid Close Contact: Children should avoid close contact with individuals who may be sick or exhibiting symptoms of mpox, such as rashes or fever. Encourage them to maintain a safe distance from anyone who has been diagnosed with the infection. Additionally, remind children not to share personal items, such as towels, utensils, or clothing, as the virus can spread through direct contact.
- Awareness About Symptoms: Educating children about the symptoms of mpox can help them recognise potential infections early. Symptoms may include fever, chills, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection can lead to prompt medical attention, reducing the risk of spreading the infection.
- Limit Exposure to Animals: Mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans. Kids should avoid contact with wild animals or any animal that appears sick.
- Healthy Diet: An immune-boosting diet is essential to foster a healthy and string immune system. Weak immunity in kids make them more prone such infections. Hence focussing on vitamin-c rich diet, protein, fibre and nutrient-dense meals is essential.
Mpox symptoms
- Persistent high fever
- Skin rash or lesions
- Body ache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Mpox can spread from animals to people, between people and from the environment to people. The virus can spread through contact with lesions on the skin or infectious bodily fluids, contaminated personal items, infected animals etc.
contact with contaminated materials such as clothing, linen or sharps injuries in healthcare setting
First Mpox case in India
This year, the first Mpox case was detected in a man in Delhi. The mpox patient admitted to the LNJP Hospital is in stable condition, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Tuesday. The 26-year-old patient, a resident of Haryana’s Hisar, has only genital ulcers and skin rashes but no fever, a health department official said. The patient was kept in the disaster management ward of the hospital, according to a statement from the health department.
Bharadwaj emphasised that there was no need to panic over mpox as it spreads through contact, not through the air. As per PTI reports, the Union health ministry on Monday said that it was an “isolated case” and there was no immediate risk to the public.