Monkeypox Virus! 

 Monkeypox outbreak; it is an evolving pandemic that may affect aviation services again and the world have to take serious measures to save the economies as already under disastrous wave due to Covid-19. We will cover under this article: the definition of the pandemic, major symptoms, measures, especially role of aviation industry to curtail its spread. As the cases of this disease are significantly increasing day by day, and it has become a core issue facing by the world these days. Air travelers and tourists may be the source / carrier of this pandemic. No doubt, there is a well-built link between aviation travelers and these dangerous airborne diseases. There are some alarming points are to be tackled by aviation industry for the well-being of humanity. Let’s start to analyze the facts in this regard.

 What is the disease (Monkeypox) 

 Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Potyviridae, the same as smallpox and cowpox. It was originated from Central and West Africa in the 1950s. It is basically a self-limiting disease, with symptoms typically lasting for three to four weeks and go away at its own without any treatment. It may become severe in rare cases. Incubation period / cycle for this disease may vary from two to twenty days. Significantly less severe infection rate is found in this pandemic, and the mortality rate is under ten percent.

 Main symptoms of a pandemic 

 The disease has unique characteristics and characteristic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and widespread rashes and itching. The rash usually affects the patient's face and limbs. The main symptoms are:

1.  Severe headache 
2.  Lymph node infection 
3.  Myalgic  
4.  Back pain 
5.  Fever 
6.  Helplessness (malaise) / low energy 
7.  Painful rash or lesion (filled with clear or yellowish liquid) 

• This virus (monkeypox) has similar symptoms, but how is it different from other viruses? The disease has symptoms similar to chickenpox and smallpox, but still has its own characteristics, with swelling of the lymph nodes being a characteristic and characteristic symptom. Infections and immunodeficiency can exacerbate these symptoms.

 Transmission ways? 

 The very common cause of Monkeypox spread is close contact with the infected body (person or animal). The symptoms of the virus are found in many animals like rats, squirrels, termites, and as the name suggests, many species of monkeys as well. The disease may also be caused by a bite or scratch by an infected animal or by eating uncooked food (especially meat). The virus may spread through blood, broken skin, mucous membrane, respiratory droplets and contaminated clothes and bed dings etc.  Monkeypox is an airborne infection that can be spread over distances less than one meter. For the prevention of the disease, the patients are advised to isolate themselves for two to three weeks so that the symptoms go away.

 Is Air Traveling the major contributor to Escalate  Monkeypox? 

 As we know that Monkeypox is an airborne infection which could easily be transmitted to nearby areas of disease, it can also be transmitted by close contact with the infected body. We can understand the direct connection between air travel and upward graph of the virus because air traveling affect a lot as it seems. Air travelling involves social contacts, meeting and greetings of the peoples from all around the world. Breathing in a congested environment and close sitting arrangements for certain span of time can trigger the disease manifold. Hence, these are the unavoidable circumstances faced by the air travelers, and they might be at a huge risk if they sit next to an infected person on a plane or meet any infected person in the boarding /lodging process. As we understand the escalation ways of the disease as mentioned above, so we should take special care and serious measures in order to save ourselves, our loved one and our community from this widespread inflectional / painful disease. Africa, Nigeria and especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the most affected areas of the world, where the cases are usually higher; therefore unnecessary travelling to these areas should be avoided so that the widespread rate of disease may curtail.

 Air travel risks exacerbating monkeypox.  

  Monkeypox belongs to the same viral family as smallpox, but is milder and less severe. It is also transmitted through the respiratory tract, but is not as severe or contagious as Covid-19. Nonetheless, monkeypox can cause some complications, so airplane travelers, and tourists need to take some precautions. Travelers and tourists should limit their tours and strive to travel in such contagious situations. Air traffic needs to be reduced. Therefore, when talking about current outbreaks, these are countries that are rarely visited and have been identified or suspected in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, France, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States. Cases include the Netherlands. Therefore, travelers need to make wise decisions to visit such areas. If not taken seriously, the epidemic of illness can be enormous, as it is prevalent in many countries. As infected travelers continue to visit different cities and countries without self-isolation, they can spread it widely, which is usually the way airborne diseases spread.

 Measures To Be Taken In Air Travelling in Order to Avoid Monkeypox 

 To avoid the wide spread of this infection, the travelers should take protective measures against Monkeypox that are they should induce protocols.

1.  N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used while in aviation. 
2.  Proper gloves and gear should be worn while handling an infected animal. 
3.  Cuts should be prevented from any sort of infectious contact in order to prevent viral entry into the blood.
4.  Close contact with adjacent passengers should be prevented. 
5.  Products of sick passengers should be avoided, like their food, lotions, creams, clothes, makeup, etc. 
6.  Unnecessary wandering in the airport and airplane should be avoided. 
7.  Travelers should prevent contact with dead or live wild animals. 
8.  Air passengers should keep in mind the fact that there is no vaccine discovered and no specific treatment for this infection to date. 
9.  Some antiviral drugs show some action against Monkeypox, such as cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat. 

 If it is inevitable for a person not to obviate, the administration of a vaccine for smallpox may also help in defense averse to Monkeypox. But now you must be thinking, why is the vaccine for smallpox being administered as prevention for Monkeypox? Well, it is 85% effective in the case of Monkeypox. Travelers should practice and maintain good hygiene so that if there is any accidental contact of the traveler with a patient, he might tend not to acquire the disease, as maintaining personal cleanliness provides immunity against diseases.

 Roll of air traveler to curtail the spread of Monkeypox. 

 Airplane travelers can also play an important role in reducing exposure to the virus by educating nearby passengers on how to protect to monkeypox and themselves. But what if the traveler himself observes any of the above signs or symptoms? What should they do? If travelers and tourists experience the characteristic symptoms of monkeypox already mentioned, especially blisters on the skin and swollen lymph nodes, it is necessary to isolate themselves and apply a soothing lotion to the rash to relieve the pain.  In order to prevent the spread of the infection, it is necessary to block unnecessary connections and activities with the  public. In this case, insulation is recommended. You will need to stay in the affected city or country until the symptoms disappear. People traveling to endemic areas should avoid contact with native animals and avoid eating raw food. Travelers should avoid markets and farms. Appropriate gloves and equipment should be worn if animal handling is required. If you are near a sick person or animal, you should use disinfectants on a regular basis. Good hygiene and a balanced diet can protect travelers from such infections, so you can take good care of your health.

 Conclusion 

 Since aviation is the largest source of travel around the world, it is also the largest source of travel in the world. It is undeniable that it can cause the wide spread of these infectious diseases. So you have all of its strengths and weaknesses. The only thing you can do about this situation is to take all measures and regularly check for all signs and symptoms to save yourself and your loved ones from these life-threatening illnesses and infections. Travelers from all over the world need to remember all the important points for themselves, and others to protect themselves from such harmful illnesses. Monkeypox is still new, and it takes time for doctors and scientists to find a solution to cure the disease.