Monkeypox is a rare viral disease and the cases are growing in different countries like UK and America recently. What is monkeypox and how do you get monkeypox? Here’s the everything you need to know about it.
How monkeypox spread?
When we thought we had a breakthrough and reaching towards endemic, then comes another Zoonotic Outbreak (aka) Monkeypox. The virus resurgence started in May 2022 when a traveller arrived in London from Nigeria and started the outbreak.
It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Did you know?
It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An orthopoxviral that causes a disease with symptoms similar, but less severe, to smallpox. Too much to digest? Don’t worry, we got you covered.
How can you identify?
Monkeypox presents with fever, an extensive characteristic rash and usually swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period of it can range from 5 to 21 days.
The febrile stage of illness usually lasts 1 to 3 days with symptoms including fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, myalgia (muscle ache), and an intense asthenia (lack of energy) Lesions evolve from macules (lesions with a flat base) to papules (raised firm painful lesions) to vesicles (filled with clear fluid) to pustules.
How to treat and what can be done to minimize the risks of transmission?
Treatment of monkeypox patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms. Vaccination against smallpox with first generation vaccinia-virus based smallpox vaccine was shown to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox in the past.
Well, another way is to properly cook all animal meat or parts of it before eating! And yes, living in the new norm, hand gloves and other personal protective clothing and equipment should be worn while taking care of the sick, whether in a health facility or in the home.
DISCLAIMER: In the event you someone you know are feeling unwell, immediately refer to registered health professionals who should be able to assist you with the proper care and treatment!
So, what preventive measures you can take?
- Avoid contact with infected people/animals with monkeypox
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with monkeypox
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with people with monkeypox
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat
- Even with this Coronavirus still lingering around and now with Monkeypox joining the spread, best is to stock up face mask
- Use handy cleansing wipes to clean your mobile phone after using it or on any surfaces that needs to be sanitized
