Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Sustainable development is a global phenomenon and environmental degradation is a Ayurvedic Visual Science (AVS) has served the nation since Rajrishi Nimi, the king of Videha, well documented in Susruta Samhita in 800 BC-600 BC. Vision is the most essential sensory function of humans. Loss of vision is considered the highest disability in the general population. The unmet needs in ophthalmic research include glaucoma, retinal dystrophies, Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Retinitis Pigmentation (RP), dry eye, progressive myopia, macular degeneration and corneal diseases. AVS has progressed tremendously in treating diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The ayurvedic ocular medication comprises oral medication, panchakarma and kriya kalpa (ocular procedures) to treat eye diseases holistically after factoring in the entire health profile of patients. Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) is a rare viral disease that primarily occurs in remote regions of central and West Africa. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, which includes other wellknown members such as smallpox virus and vaccinia virus. Monkeypox virus was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958 and was later discovered in humans in 1970.

Transmission and symptoms of monkeypox virus

Monkeypox virus spreads to humans through contact with animals, usually rodents and monkeys, who serve as reservoir hosts for the virus. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, their bodily fluids or even their meat. Additionally, human to human transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids, lesions or respiratory secretions of infected individuals.

The symptoms of monkeypox virus infection can range from mild to severe. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. After a few days, a rash develops which often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash progresses to papules, then vesicles and finally pustules, which scab over and fall off after about three weeks. In severe cases, monkeypox virus can cause complications such as pneumonia, sepsis and encephalitis. Although the disease is usually self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own, it can be fatal in some cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Monkeypox virus outbreaks and containment

Monkeypox virus outbreak occurs, sporadically in central and West Africa, with the largest recorded outbreak occurring in Nigeria in 2017. The outbreak resulted in 172 confirmed cases and 9 deaths. Other outbreaks have occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Containment of monkeypox virus outbreaks involves a multi-pronged approach, including surveillance, diagnosis, isolation and treatment of infected individuals, contact tracing and vaccination. Vaccination with smallpox vaccine is considered an effective way of preventing monkeypox virus infection, as the two viruses are closely related. Smallpox vaccination has been used to successfully control monkeypox outbreaks in the past.

Treatment and prevention of monkeypox virus

Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection. Supportive care, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, management of pain and fever and wound care, is the mainstay of treatment for affected individuals. However, some antiviral drugs have shown promise in animal studies and may be effective in treating human cases in the future. Prevention of monkeypox virus infection involves avoiding contact with infected animals, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with smallpox vaccine. In addition, individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals should be closely monitored for symptoms and isolated if necessary.

Currently, there are no specific medications or antiviral drugs available for the treatment of monkeypox virus infection. Supportive care, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, management of pain and fever and wound care, is the mainstay of treatment for affected individuals. However, some antiviral drugs, such as cidofovir and brincidofovir, have shown promise in animal studies and may be effective in treating human cases in the future. It is important to note that the use of any medication for monkeypox virus infection should be based on the patient's clinical condition and should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Self-medication or the use of unproven remedies can be dangerous and is not recommended. Additionally, prevention of monkeypox virus infection through vaccination and avoidance of contact with infected animals is the most effective way to control and prevent outbreaks.

Monkeypox virus is a rare but potentially serious viral disease that occurs primarily in central and West Africa. Although the disease is usually self-limiting, it can cause severe complications and even death in some cases. Prevention and control of monkeypox virus outbreaks involve a combination of surveillance, diagnosis, isolation, treatment, contact tracing and vaccination. Ongoing research into the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of monkeypox virus infection is essential to improving public health and preventing future outbreaks.