Monkey Pox awareness panel discussion held at K.S.Hegde Medical Academy

Monkey Pox awareness panel discussion held at K.S.Hegde Medical Academy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 27, 2022: A panel discussion was held by K.S.Hegde Medical Academy, constituent college of Nitte University on Monkey Pox which is causing outbreaks in multiple countries including India. It was held on 23rd July at Avishkar hall, ABSMIDS.

 

Dr.  Sudhindra Rao M, Professor & HOD, dept.of Medicine welcomed the gathering. Dr.Rishikesh Chandran, postgraduate in medicine presented a case report from Journal. Dr. Adithi K, Associate Professor, Dept.of  Medicine, KSHEMA moderated the panel.

Dr. Vidya Pai, Professor of Microbiology from YMC discussed the virological aspects and mode of spread. The monkey pox virus is a DNA virus which is  close to family of small pox virus. The virus replicates very slowly with less chances of antigenic shift. It spreads mainly through large droplets and by fomites and close contacts. It is a zoonotic disease with rodents being the possible reservoir. It can be diagnosed by samples from nasopharyngeal secretions, skin lesions and blood through PCR in Pune virology lab. Antibody detected by ELISA is not specific for monkey pox.

Dr. Deepak Madi, additional Professor, KMC, Mangalore discussed the clinical aspects and management. The monkey pox presents with fever and centrifugal vescicular rashes. Majority of patients also have lymphadenopathy at presentation. We should suspect monkey pox in a person with history of travel to affected countries within last 21 days with unexplained rash and fever or headache or swollen lymph nodes or body ache or weakness. Management in India is currently symptomatic though antivirals like brincidofovir and tecovirimat are used in other countries. Post exposure vaccine may also be considered. Vaccination for small pox which was practiced till 1980 may provide partial immunity.

Dr.Manjuanth Shenoy, Professor & HOD, dept.of Dermatology, YMC, M’lore discussed the differential diagnosis of rashes and management of skin lesions. In monkey pox the vesicular rashes will be appearing in single crop which will have larger size which may confluent. It is associated with pain and itching and can lead to permanent scaring including that of cornea (eye). Many patients have associated lymphadenopathy. Genital involvement may be seen. Complications of the rashes may be secondary infection and patients will require antibiotics for the same.

Dr. Nithin Kumar, Associate Professor dept.of Community medicine, KMC, M’lore discussed the epidemiological aspects. Currently in India we are seeing the outbreak due to imported cases. Strict surveillance measure at point of entries from foreign countries with contact tracing and isolation of suspect and cases for 21days is currently practiced.

Panel also recommended continuation of infection control measures practiced during covid. This needs to be  followed by both public and hospitals. Eventhough the mortality due to monkey pox is very less, it causes significant morbidity and hence everyone should contribute to the control of disease.

Dr. Vimal Kumar, Professor, dept. of  Microbiology, Dr.Nanjesh, Professor & HOD, Community Medicine, Dr. Tanmay Bhat, Professor, dept. of Medicine handed over certificate of  appreciation  to resource persons.  API DK officer bearers Dr. Shamapraksh K, and Dr. Shuaib Ahmed who were present.

Dr. Girisha B.S., Professor  & HOD, Dermatology, proposed vote of thanks.