Monkeypox virus outbreak in children: Andhra boy shows symptoms, isolated - What parents should know

Monkeypox virus outbreak: A minor boy in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur was found with suspected symptoms of monkeypox disease, raising fear of transmission of virus among children. The eight-year-old has been admitted to the isolation ward at Government General Hospital (GGH) in Guntur. Health officials have sent the boy's samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

It is not clear whether children are more susceptible to monkeypox than adults or whether clinical outcomes differ from those in adults till now.  

The first thing to notice is Monkeypox can spread through contact with the fluids of people or animals with monkeypox or through contact with fomites.  

Monkeypox virus: Symptoms in children   

In children fever, Swollen lymph nodes, Muscle aches, and Chills are the most common symptoms. The monkeypox rash usually develops within one to three days after fever.  

The rash can be found on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body.  

Among children rash can be confused with other rash illnesses that are commonly considered in children, chickenpox, hand, foot, and mouth disease; measles; scabies, herpes, syphilis.  

Monkeypox in children: How to prevent kids and treatment 

• Children and adolescents with monkeypox should be closely monitored throughout their illness.  
• It is important to check the child's temperature two times per day during your monitoring period.  
•  If symptoms begin, contact a doctor immediately and isolate away from others.  
•  Stop continue daily activities, like going to work or school, if you do not develop any symptoms.  
•  Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.