ISLAMABAD: Health specialist on Saturday called for public awareness and active community involvement to help contain the spread of Monkeypox, emphasizing strategies such as early identification, isolation, and collective action.
Talking to media, Professor Dr. Ashar Mashhood stressed the importance of public awareness, community engagement, and accurate information as the world confronts the Monkeypox outbreak. “By working together, we can curb the spread of Monkeypox and safeguard our communities,” he stated.
In response to a query, Dr. Mashhood explained that Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans from animals. He further stated that the virus is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family.
Dr. Mashhood further explained that the primary mode of Monkeypox transmission is through close contact with infected animals, such as rodents, primates, and other wildlife. This can occur through handling or consuming meat from infected animals or through contact with contaminated animal products.
He underscored the importance of proper handling and cooking of animal products to prevent virus transmission. Dr. Mashhood also noted that Monkeypox can spread through human-to-human contact, particularly via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through contact with infected bodily fluids or skin lesions.
He stressed the need for good hygiene practices, including frequent hand-washing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent virus transmission.
Dr. Mashhood also emphasized the critical role of early detection and isolation of cases in preventing the spread of Monkeypox. He pointed out that symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and skin lesions require prompt medical attention for effective treatment and to avoid complications.
