Why are children more susceptible to monkeypox?
According to Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, India, children have a higher risk of contracting monkeypox than adults due to the following factors:
Weaker immune system: Children often have weaker immune systems than adults. This can lead to a less effective response to infections, leading to more severe symptoms and complications in children.
Exposure: Children's behavior, such as sucking on objects or frequently touching near infected objects or animals, increases the risk of disease. Additionally, infants and young children who are breastfed from an infected mother may also be at higher risk.
Common symptoms of monkeypox to look out for in children
- Fever
- Rash similar to chickenpox and other viral infections
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin
- Excessive fatigue or exhaustion
- Pain in the muscles and back
- Colds, coughs and sore throats
How to reduce the risk of monkeypox transmission in children?
- Promote and practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap or using hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact completely with infected people or animals.
- Regularly disinfect surfaces such as toys, door handles, blankets, sheets, and clothing with anti-virus disinfectants.
- Be alert to symptoms in children.
