Staff Reporter :
There is a high possibility about spreading of monkeypox in the country said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed.
He said it in a press briefing over monkeypox situation in the country at BSMMU’s Dr Milton Hall auditorium on Saturday.
He said, although monkeypox has not yet been identified in Bangladesh, citizens of many countries are coming through all the entrances. Among them are patients. There is a risk of infection in the country due to this. Hence vigilance should be increased at airports as well as at land entry points; So that if a suspect comes, they can be taken into isolation quickly.
The Vice-Chancellor said that monkeypox cases are being reported
every day. Two people died in Brazil yesterday. It is difficult to say where the situation will go. So do not panic and be careful now. Covid-19 came to Bangladesh via Italy and China. Not sure if monkeypox won’t come the same way. So be aware of the time.
So far, the smallpox vaccine provides 85 percent protection against monkeypox, he said. But after 1981 this vaccination was stopped in Bangladesh. Now if the outbreak of the virus increases, the vaccine will be administered again if necessary. At the same time, those who have pets at home should be aware. Because it spreads from animal to animal and from there to humans.
Any one who is in close physical contact with another person infected with monkeypox is at risk, he said. A few years ago, it was found that 74% of patients infected with the virus were polygamous. And 26 percent of the patients were diagnosed with HIV AIDS.
