Mangaluru: Panel discussion on Monkeypox outbreak held at KSHEMA, NDU

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 30 Jul 2022: A panel discussion was held at K S Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), constituent college of Nitte University on Monkey Pox which is causing outbreaks in multiple countries including India. It was held at Avishkar hall, ABSMIDS, here on July 23.

 

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

 

Dr Vidya Pai, Professor of Microbiology from YMC discussed the virological aspects and mode of spread. The monkeypox virus is a DNA virus which is close to the family of smallpox 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 monkeypox.

 

 

Dr Deepak Madi, additional Professor, KMC, Mangaluru discussed the clinical aspects and management. The monkey pox presents with fever and centrifugal vesicular rashes. Majority of patients also have lymphadenopathy at presentation. We should suspect monkeypox in a person with a history of travel to affected countries within the 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 vaccines may also be considered. Vaccination for smallpox which was practiced till 1980 may provide partial immunity.

 

Dr Manjuanth Shenoy, Professor and HOD of Dermatology, YMC, Mangaluru discussed the differential diagnosis of rashes and management of skin lesions. In monkeypox the vesicular rashes will be appearing in a single crop which will have larger size which may be confluent. It is associated with pain and itching and can lead to permanent scarring 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, department of Community medicine, KMC, Mangaluru discussed the epidemiological aspects. Currently in India we are seeing the outbreak due to imported cases. Strict surveillance measures at point of entries from foreign countries with contact tracing and isolation of suspects 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. Even though the mortality due to monkeypox is very less, it causes significant morbidity and hence everyone should contribute to the control of disease.

 

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

 

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