No travel history found in Delhi patients, no proof of sexual relationship found
Monkeypox Menace: Not only this, sexual relations between homosexuals are being considered as one of the main reasons for the spread of monkeypox infection, but all the patients of Delhi have clearly denied homosexual relationship till about a month before getting infected.
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Regarding the patients found infected with monkeypox in Delhi so far, scientists have confirmed that none of these people were on foreign travel before getting infected. Not only this, sexual relations between homosexuals are believed to be one of the main reasons for the spread of monkeypox infection, but all patients in Delhi have categorically denied homosexual relations for about a month before getting infected.
On the other hand a preliminary study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune states that three out of the five monkeypox cases reported from Delhi had a history of heterosexual contact.
Scientists from Delhi-based Loknayak, AIIMS, ICMR and Pune-based NIV together have completed a study on 10 monkeypox infected patients of the country. Five of these patients were found in Kerala and the other five in Delhi. The five patients identified in Kerala had all returned from foreign travel and were admitted after their health deteriorated on their return. One of these youths also died but all the five patients of Delhi were admitted to Loknayak Hospital after getting symptoms.
Infected patients suffer from fear, stigma, anxiety, stress and depression
Dr. Priya Abraham, Director, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, said, “Our study clearly shows that monkeypox patients suffer from fear, stigma, anxiety, stress and depression. It is being associated with sexual relations, due to which there is a lot of tension among the patients. These patients need proper counseling after hospitalization.
On Thursday, a patient of monkeypox admitted to Loknayak was discharged from the hospital on recovery. While the report of another has come negative.
Need for monitoring
Dr. Lalit Dhar, Senior, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi said, “It is also possible that even people without travel history in the community can get infected with monkeypox. Gay sex is not the reason for this either. That's why we need monitoring.
It is necessary to learn
the modalities, Dr. BL Sahu of Maulana Azad Medical College said, 'After interaction with the patients, it has been understood that there is a need for awareness among the public as well as health workers about the infection. Apart from the new symptoms, side effects and treatment of this disease, it is very important to learn how to protect yourself.