Overview Of Monkeypox
We are still not over the most deadly disease outbreak of the century, COVID-19, and there is another disease waiting to terrify us again. This time it goes by the name of “Monkeypox.” You can call it the sister of smallpox, as the symptoms are more or less the same.
But if you need to save yourself from getting monkeypox, then read this article carefully as we will be discussing the causes and prevention of monkeypox.
What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus that is related to the smallpox virus. Monkeypox, on the other hand, is significantly less serious than smallpox, despite the fact that it creates a similar sickness with flu-like symptoms and a rash with lesions.
Fortunately, the death rate is modest, ranging from 1 to 10%, and it is especially low with the latest strain that has just emerged.
Monkeypox Origin
Monkeypox is not a new name for our old generation as it had been in the news during the 1960 and 70s. It was first seen in 1958 when an outbreak happened among some lab monkeys, and hence the name “Monkeypox” was assigned.
In the 1970s, the first outbreak among humans was seen, and since then the number has gone to 14 times in the western and central African regions, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC). Very few cases of Monkey Pox have been reported in the USA.
But nothing much is there to worry about, as the risk of you contaminating the virus is very low. The virus generally gets transferred through physical contact with the infected person.
Monkeypox Symptoms
Monkeypox occurs in two stages. The first stage is when the person is having flu-like symptoms, which could be fever, weakness, headache, and chills. During this stage, the virus is fighting the cells of our body and trying to capture the position.
The second stage starts two or three days after the fever, and with that, the development of pox starts to come out. Initially, it feels like a rash that starts on the face and later spreads to the arms. If you are having just rashes around genital areas, don’t consider by yourself that you have monkeypox. It could also be chickenpox, herpes, or simply a rash.
Monkeypox Spread
Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans by animals as well as by monkeypox-infected people.
- From animals: In the case of transmission through animals, it is widely transmitted by rodents like squirrels, rats, etc. People can catch the virus either by being bitten or scratched by rodents or if they eat undercooked meat that has initially had the virus.
- From Humans: It is not easy to get transmitted as COVID-19 was. It can be transferred mainly through three ways: if you have unknowingly made direct contact with the pus from sores/rashes; inhaling the respiratory droplets of the infected person; or handling the towels or clothing of the infected person. Sexual contact can also be one route of transmission.
Monkeypox Prevention
If you think that you are having the symptoms of monkeypox, then the first thing to do is to not panic about it. This disease is not as contagious and harmful as COVID-19.
What you need to do is to stay calm and remain at home as you might risk the chance of spreading it to other humans. You can directly contact your state health services for advice.
Then they will ask you to isolate in either your home or they will provide the facility to stay at an isolated place. If they have the testing kits and vaccines, then that could also be used to help you.
Monkeypox Treatment
The disease is not deadly and can be cleared up on its own without any treatment. The fatality rate which has been seen in the Western-African strain was about 1 to 3 percent. The fatality rate in Congo Basin was around 10 percent.
Its fatality was seen among people having an improper immune system if a woman is pregnant or with young children. But proper treatment and care are required as it can lead to other issues like vision loss or pneumonia in kids.
Monkeypox Vaccines
According to WHO (World Health Organisation), the vaccine that was used to treat smallpox is effective up to 85% against monkeypox as well.
A vaccine known as Jynneos in the US and Imvanex in Europe is known for providing immunity against both smallpox and monkeypox. Another vaccine called ACAM200 is licensed by the US for use against smallpox and is now being tested to be vital against monkeypox.
These vaccines can be given even after being contaminated by the virus to lower the symptoms and even infection in some cases. But make sure to take the expert advice before taking any such vaccine in case you are on medication for any other health issue to avoid any severe side effects at a later stage.
You can get this advice easily online these days, all thanks to the best digital healthcare platforms. You can check here for more info regarding how you can get in touch with professionals regarding such online consultations.
FAQs
Ans. Yes, monkeypox is a real viral disease that was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys and in the 1970s among humans.
Ans. Monkeypox is contagious mainly through direct contact with the virus or the person having the virus either by skin or the used clothes of that person.
Ans. The fatality rate which has been observed among the infected is around 1 to 3 percent and is majorly among pregnant women, young children, or people having low immune systems.
Ans. Yes, children are more prone to monkeypox, so take proper precautions if you are in contact with an infected person.
Ans. Yes, it spreads through physical contact so it has a high chance of spreading if you had sexual contact with an infected person.
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