What is monkeypox ?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis which is a virus that is transmitted from animals to humans. This disease is primarily found in Central and West Africa, particularly near tropical rainforests, but it is becoming more common in urban areas. Animal hosts include rodents and non-human primates. Monkeypox can spread with Physical contact and face-to-face interaction but won’t spread easily by air with someone who has symptoms that may increase the risk for getting this disease. (World Health Organisation, Monkeypox)
Who can get infected with Monkeypox ?
Anyone can be infected with monkeypox. However, children will have higher risks of being infected by by this virus. In Africa, 90% were among children under 15 years old. This disease normally takes about 2 to 4 weeks to run its course. If you are exposed to monkeypox, your provider will monitor you for 21 days.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to smallpox but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.
Common Symptoms includes:-
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Exhaustion
- Rash on face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, genitals
Prevention of Monkeypox
- Avoid contact / distance with people who are infected with Monkeypox.
- Wear a face mask at all times when coming in contact with someone who has symptoms.
- Use condom and look out for symptoms if you have changed sexual partner.
- Avoid contact /distance with animals that are sick or dead that may have been infected with the virus.
- Practice good hygiene, wash hands with soap regularly OR use alcohol based sanitiser.
Treatment for Monkeypox
Several observational studies have shown that smallpox vaccination is about 85 percent effective in preventing monkeypox. As a result, previous smallpox vaccination may result in a milder illness. In 2019, a newer vaccine based on a modified attenuated vaccinia virus (Ankara strain) was approved for monkeypox prevention. This is a two-dose vaccine with limited availability. Because of the cross-protection afforded by the immune response to orthopoxviruses, smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are developed in formulations based on the vaccinia virus.
Unfortunately, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox at the moment. Antiviral medications may be beneficial, but they have not been studied as a treatment for monkeypox. Most people recover on their own, without the need for treatment. If there is a monkeypox outbreak involving multiple people, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has options for controlling the disease’s spread, including the smallpox vaccine and other treatments.
Useful link: https://cleadoc.com
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