Man Returning from Saudi Arabia Tests Positive for Monkeypox in Nepal

A person who recently returned from Saudi Arabia has tested positive for monkeypox (also called Mpox) in Nepal. He is currently being treated at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu.

Doctors confirmed the infection after he showed fever and symptoms similar to monkeypox. His sample was tested at the National Public Health Laboratory in Teku.

According to hospital sources, the patient is being treated in isolation. So far this year, three people have tested positive for monkeypox in the same hospital. Nepal confirmed its first case of monkeypox in Ashar 2080 (mid-2023).

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread from animals to humans or from person to person. The virus is a double-stranded DNA virus, related to the smallpox virus, but usually less severe and rarely deadly.

How Does It Spread?

• Through direct contact with an infected person’s skin, wounds, mouth, or eyes.
• Via respiratory droplets from close contact.
• Through contact with items used by an infected person, like clothes, bedsheets, or utensils.
• Risk increases for those with weak immune systems or in close contact with the infected person.

Symptoms:

• Appear 5 to 21 days after infection.
• Early signs: fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
• 1 to 3 days after the fever: rashes or blisters appear on the face and body. These blisters may itch, burst, dry up, and leave marks.
• Symptoms usually last 2 to 4 weeks.

Complications:

In some cases, monkeypox can cause:

• Secondary infections
• Lung infections (bronchopneumonia)
• Sepsis
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
• Eye infections that can lead to blindness

Death Rate:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the death rate for monkeypox can reach up to 11%, especially in young children. The current global average death rate is about 3.6%.

How to Stay Safe:

• Avoid direct skin contact with people who have rashes or blisters.
• Do not kiss, hug, or have sexual contact with infected persons.
• Do not touch their clothing, towels, or personal items.
• Wash hands regularly with soap or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating or after using the toilet.
• Avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, such as rodents and monkeys.
• Stay away from sick or dead animals and anything they may have touched.

Doctors advise the public to remain cautious and follow preventive measures to avoid the spread of monkeypox.