KATHMANDU, JUNE 17
The first case of the contagious monkeypox infection has been confirmed inside the country in Kathmandu valley.
The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that a 60-year-old lady who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, the woman's health condition is stable. She is currently being monitored in an isolation ward.
Joint Spokesperson for the Health Ministry Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari said, "She has not shown any health complication which can often occur if one contracts the viral disease which has been classified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation."
The government has kept the identity of the woman secret.
However, the woman is said to have visited Nepal a number of time and also visited numerous countries before she came here.
"The travel history of the women shows multiple countries where she could have contracted the virus. But, after she showed symptoms of monkeypox, measures have been taken to cure her under the supervision of doctors in isolation," said Dr Adhikari.
The infection was detected in the National Public Health Laboratory at Teku where other investigations related to the infection are under way, as per the ministry.
Monkeypox can be life threatening if complications occur when care is not given on time. People, especially children, can be infected with pneumonia, eye sight loss, and even death. The infection has been reported in at least 111 countries, including Nepal.
The common symptoms include rashes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, among others.
Some people may have one or a few skin lesions and others have hundreds or more that can appear in almost all parts of the body, including palms, soles, mouth, throat, genital areas and anus.
Anyone can get Monkeypox from persons, animals and other materials. People transmit the virus from touch, kiss or sex. Animals like monkeys and squirrels who are sensitive to the virus can transfer the infection to human beings from close contact and from consuming them. Similarly, contaminated sheets, clothes or needles can also transmit the disease.
Monkeypox primarily spreads through close person-to-person contact. However, the WHO has suggested all to maintain some protocol if the cases are uncontrolled, including living in isolation, washing hands often with soap, frequent sanitising and wearing mask. In case of contraction, people should keep the wounds uncovered and dry, taking warm baths with baking soda and take paracetamol.
The contracted people are not advised to pop blisters or scratch sores and shave the areas with sores.
In 2022, the WHO had reported more than 87,000 cases and 112 deaths caused by the complications during monkeypox.
The virus has now spread to over 111 countries in the world.
The government has asked all to call 1115 and 1113 to register their complaints if they show symptoms of the virus.
A version of this article appears in the print on June 18, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
