What is Monkeypox – Here is What You Should Know

Posted on: Jul 8, 2022 | | Written by:

What is Monkeypox – Here is What You Should Know

While you surely know about smallpox and chickenpox, monkeypox is a new disease which is gradually spreading in different parts of the world. Caused by the monkeypox virus, this rare disease can lead to several severe complications. While it was discovered way back in 1958, its unexpected appearance in different geographical areas is fast becoming a concern. Though health agencies are tracking its spread, the possibility of community transmission isn’t being ruled out. It spreads mainly through human contact with infected rodents, but you can also get infected by an infected person.

So, it is important to know more about this ailment and what you can do to keep it at bay. Also find out if your health insurance plans will financially cover you in case you get infected.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease. Caused by the monkeypox virus, it was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys, which were being used for research. The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970. It is rarely found, and the signs and symptoms are like smallpox, though less severe.

How Common is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is rare and mostly found in central and west Africa. Some cases are also being reported from the UK though.

Where Else is Monkeypox Found?

For years, monkeypox was found mostly in Africa and occasionally in other countries, including the US. The first outbreak of monkeypox outside Africa occurred in 2003 in the US when a shipment of infected rodents was exported to Texas from Ghana. The virus from the rodents spread to pet prairie dogs, infecting 47 people.

With international travel becoming more common, this virus is getting easily spread around the world. In 2021, a US resident caught the virus after he travelled from Nigeria to the United States. In 2022, there was an outbreak in several regions outside Africa with 1,000 cases worldwide as of June 2022.

Who does Monkeypox Affect?

Anyone who comes in contact with an infected person will get the virus. However, in Africa, children under the age of 15 are mostly affected. Outside Africa, as per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) , "a notable proportion" of cases in the UK and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?

Symptoms of monkeypox develop after 1-2 weeks of being exposed to the virus. The initial symptoms are fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. After 1-3 days of getting fever, a rash develops, which typically starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, mostly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash, which starts as red, flat bumps, goes through different stages before finally turning into blisters and then fall off. The whole process lasts 2-4 weeks. However, not everyone experiences all the above symptoms. For some, it can start with the rash, followed by other symptoms, while some may get the rash only. You can also get infected by monkeypox and show no symptoms at all, but you can still spread it to others through prolonged contact.

How do You Catch Monkeypox?

You can catch monkeypox if you come in contact with an infected animal or person. It can spread from animal to humans through scratches or bites, broken skin, or direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, sores or injuries. It can also spread if you eat meat or use products of an infected animal.

Person-to-person spread occurs through direct contact with rashes, sores or bodily fluids of the infected person, touching or coming in contact with items such as clothing or linen used by an infected person, respiratory droplets during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or intercourse, and from pregnant women to the foetus through the placenta. Person-to-person transmission is less common.

How is Monkeypox Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects monkeypox, a tissue sample from an open sore will be sent to the lab for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. You may also be asked to give blood sample to check for the monkeypox virus.

Is Monkeypox Curable?

Yes, but there is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Most people recover on their own without any treatment. After you have been diagnosed with the disease, your doctor may prescribe some antiviral drugs and antibiotics to relieve your symptoms though there is no approved antiviral for treating monkeypox till date. To avoid other complications due to the disease, you need to take rest and keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids.

Prevention

The smallpox vaccine may be used to provide protection against monkeypox though it is still in the clinical stage. Here are some steps to prevent yourself from getting infected with the virus:

• Stay away from an infected person or animal

• Avoid touching the rash of an infected person

• Avoid close physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, hugging or having sex with someone with monkeypox

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming in contact with an infected person

• Do not touch the clothing and other materials of a sick person

• Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces

Is Monkeypox Fatal?

Death due to monkeypox is rare. But, complications due to the disease such as encephalitis, pneumonia, eye infections can be fatal. It can get quite severe, especially in children.

Will your Health Insurance Policy Cover Monkeypox?

Yes, most travel and health insurance plansin India cover monkeypox treatment. If you contract the disease in India or if you are diagnosed and hospitalised in India upon arrival, your standard health insurance plan will cover the expenses. This is because the travel insurance will cease to exist after your travel is complete. But if you get infected outside India, the travel insurance will take care of it, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is rare and you can protect yourself by avoiding contact with infected people and animals. However, if you develop any symptoms, see a doctor at the earliest. Ensure you have active health insurance plans to stay covered as well.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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