The world has faced various viral threats over the years and the mpox is the latest to demand urgent action. The disease was initially identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970 and is now rapidly spreading to other countries causing widespread concern. This led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it as a global health emergency. It is important to control the outbreak before it becomes uncontrollable.

In India, doctors and hospitals have been alerted that immediate reporting of any patient exhibiting Mpox symptoms is mandatory. However, it is essential for every individual to stay informed about the virus, its symptoms, and prevention methods to protect themselves and others from getting infected.  Therefore, this blog will give you a better understanding of Mpox and help you make informed decisions.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by the Mpox virus. This virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which is closely related to the virus responsible for smallpox and there are two types of Mpox virus:

• Clade I
• Clade II

How does it spread?

Mpox is a zoonotic disease that has the potential to spread between animals, from animals to humans, and between humans. It primarily spreads in tropical rainforests, where the virus is transmitted by animals like squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and various monkey species. The virus is transmitted among humans through close contact with an infected individual or by touching contaminated items such as bedding or clothing. In addition, transmission can occur through handling or consuming the meat of infected animals, particularly in regions where the virus is prevalent.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

The common symptoms of Mpox are:

The rainy season, while beautiful and refreshing, brings with it an increased risk of certain diseases. As moisture levels rise and stagnant water accumulates, conditions become ideal for various pathogens and disease-carrying insects to thrive. This blog post aims to inform you about the most common illnesses associated with the monsoon season and provide practical tips to keep you and your family healthy. By understanding these risks and taking simple precautions, you can fully enjoy the rainy months while safeguarding your well-being. Let's explore the common monsoon-related diseases and learn effective prevention strategies.

Dengue

The mosquito-borne tropical sickness caused by the dengue virus can be extremely painful and life-threatening, necessitating hospitalization. Symptoms usually last 2-7 days and include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint aches. Most dengue patients recover in roughly a week. If you are experiencing vomiting, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor.

Malaria

Malaria, another mosquito-borne disease, is caused by Plasmodium parasites carried by infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It causes fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, which can be severe if not treated promptly. Blood tests are used to diagnose malaria, and while it may be treated with antimalarial medications, certain strains become resistant.

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio Cholerae that results in severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It spreads by contaminated water and food, which is more likely during the rainy season due to flooding and poor sanitation. If left untreated, cholera can kill a person within hours. Treatment consists of oral rehydration therapy and, in extreme situations, intravenous fluids.

Typhoid

Typhoid, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, is transmitted by contaminated food and drink. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. If not addressed, it can cause prevalent serious consequences. Typhoid is detected with blood, stool, or bone marrow testing and can be treated with antibiotics, though certain strains are becoming resistant.

Cold and Flu

The extreme temperature fluctuations that occur during the rainy season make the body susceptible to bacterial and viral attack, resulting in colds and flu. This is the most prevalent type of viral infection. To safeguard the body, one should eat highlyb nutritious foods to increase immunity. This allows the body to combat pathogens by generating antibodies that are resistant to the toxins that have been released.

Prevention Tips

To keep healthy during the rainy season, consider the following general preventive measures:

1. Maintain proper personal hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after going to the 

restroom. Keep your body clean and dry to avoid fungal infections.

2. Ensure water safety

Consume only boiled or cleaned water. Avoid consuming water from unknown sources, particularly during floods or heavy rains.

3.  Food Safety Consume only freshly cooked, hot dishes

Avoid raw veggies and fruits unless thoroughly cleansed. Be cautious when eating street food during the rainy season.

4. Mosquito control

In recent times, the term "flesh-eating" bacterial infection has captured headlines and sparked fear among many. Also known medically as necrotizing fasciitis, this rare but serious condition can indeed be alarming due to its rapid progression and potential for severe outcomes. However, understanding the facts about this condition is crucial to dispelling myths and ensuring informed awareness.

What is Necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as "flesh-eating bacteria" or "flesh-eating disease," is a rare yet serious infection that targets the skin and tissues beneath it. The term "necrotizing" refers to the infection's ability to cause tissue death, while "fasciitis" indicates inflammation of the fascia, the connective tissue beneath the skin.

This condition falls under the broader category of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), which are life-threatening infections impacting skin, muscles, and other soft tissues. NSTIs are characterized by their rapid and aggressive spread, causing localized tissue death and potentially fatal outcomes if not effectively treated.

The effectiveness of necrotizing fasciitis lies in its efficiency in spreading and the extensive tissue damage it causes at the infection site. Immediate medical intervention is crucial for survival and minimizing long-term complications.

Necrotizing fasciitis Types

• Type I, also called as polymicrobial occurs when the infection is caused by a combination of of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, typically more than one.
• Monomicrobial, also known as Type II, is commonly caused by either group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Causes of Necrotizing Fasciitis

The infection is mostly caused by bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, surgical wounds, insect bites, or even minor injuries that may go unnoticed.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early detection of necrotizing fasciitis is critical for successful treatment. Symptoms may include:

• Severe pain in the affected area, often disproportionate to the injury.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around a wound or injury.
• Fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea.
• Rapid progression of symptoms, with skin discoloration turning purplish or dark.

Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies (like CT scans or MRIs), and sometimes surgical exploration to assess the extent of tissue damage and confirm the presence of necrosis.

Prevention

While necrotizing fasciitis is rare, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common disease in India that is caused by bacterial infections, even viruses and fungi in some situations. UTI is an infection in any part of the human urinary system, the urinary tract. The human urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The infection can happen anywhere in the tract.  

Women are more vulnerable to urine infections than men. Even 1 – 2% of children get urinary infections each year.  

Causes

Escherichia coli or E. coli is the bacteria that causes UTI. It travels through the urethra and reaches the bladder or kidney, causing the infection. As women have shorter urethra, they tend to be more easily affected by the bacteria.  

Some of the actions that can be the cause are: 

Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which can spread throughout the body and affect many organs. It infects the intestinal tract and if left untreated, it can cause life-threatening serious complications and can even be fatal.

Also called enteric fever, typhoid is extremely contagious, and it still affects people all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, around 16 to 33 million cases occur worldwide each year, leading to 216,000 fatality rates. Children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 19 years are particularly vulnerable to this infection.

How does Typhoid get Transmitted?

Typhoid fever is usually spread through contaminated food and water by the S. typhi bacterium. It can happen if an infected person touches something you eat or drink without washing their hands.

People with typhoid fever can pass S. typhi bacteria in their stools and pee and can spread to other people. Also, some people can carry the bacteria in their stomach and shed it in their poop for at least a year. These people are called chronic carriers, whereas some of them have never shown any signs of sickness.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

The main symptoms of typhoid fever are: