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Everything You Need to Know About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.The disease was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys, which were being used for research. In 1970, the first human case of monkeypox was reported. It is rarely found, and the signs and symptoms are similar tosmallpox, though less severe. The disease is rare and mostly found in central and west Africa. Some cases are also being reported from the UK though.

The Monkeypox Scenario

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

Since international travel is back to what it was pre-coronavirus pandemic, this virusis 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.

Anyone who comes in contact with an infected person can 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.

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, everyone might not experienceall 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.

Transmission of Monkeypox

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.

Through humans, the 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. Transmission through humans is less common.

Diagnosis of Monkeypox

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.

Cure for Monkeypox

Even though it is curable, 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 for Monkeypox

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 withan infected person

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

• Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces

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

Conclusion

Monkeypox is rare and you can protect yourself by avoiding contact with infected people and animals. However, if you develop any symptoms, go toa doctorimmediately. Also, try to follow the above preventive measure to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Source: Cleveland clinic, WHO

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 19, 2022