What is monkeypox?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “(the) Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus”.
Is monkeypox dangerous?
As far as we know to date from official sources, monkeypox is typically a mild infection, usually ceasing away within 2 – 4 weeks with no medical attention required. To date, no monkeypox fatalities have been recorded from a total of more than 130 cases (to date) for the current outbreak. Insofar as health authorities are concerned, monkeypox is way less contagious and less dangerous than the COVID-19 pandemic, however, severe cases may still occur in some instances.
In view of the same, our deep-sea fishing trips resume as normal unless otherwise specified in light of new updates and regulations. Therefore, it is wise to be cautious, but unwise to panic!
What are monkeypox symptoms?
As with most viral diseases, the monkeypox is usually accompanied by high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. The most notable symptoms indicating a monkeypox infection are swollen glands and what is known as a monkeypox rash initiating on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
How does the monkeypox virus spread?
According to WAM (UAE News Agency), in liaison with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), monkeypox is transmitted between individuals through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Are there any monkeypox cases detected in the UAE?
Unfortunately, yes. On 24 May 2022, the UAE’s health authorities recorded the first monkeypox case in the country. Luckily, however, no further cases have been reported at the time of writing this blog.
What measures are implemented by Ocealics to combat the spread of the monkeypox virus?
Different measures have been taken by Ocealics to limit the spread of both COVID-19 and monkeypox viruses. Such measures include:
- Reducing the maximum passenger capacity
- Hand sanitizers are readily available on-board
- Deep sea fishing equipment (such as fishing rods) is cleaned after every fishing trip
- The fishing boat is cleaned after every fishing trip
- Fishing boat captains have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Moreover, Ocealics urges all individuals suspecting a monkeypox infection, or that have any of the symptoms prescribed above, to stay home for a minimum of 21 days until they are feeling well again to ensure the safety of others.
Conclusion
Yes! It is relatively safe to book deep sea fishing trips and have fun offshore! However, be sure to exercise caution and use the readily available hand sanitizer on our fishing boat!
