Monkeypox also called mpox (Monkeypox Virus), is a virus that has caught people’s attention because it looks like smallpox and could cause outbreaks. This article explains the signs and symptoms of monkeypox how it spreads, and what we can do to stop and treat it.
Till 28 July 2024, there have been a total of 99,388 confirmed cases and 208 deaths in 116 countries by Mpox (Monkeypox).
This new strain of the monkeypox virus has been identified as ‘the most dangerous’ in monkeypox virus and it may become international threat, specialists state. Thus, the new clade Ib virus was identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and extended to the border of Rwanda. Specialists state that this particular strain of mpox transmitted in ‘concerning’ manner and could very well be on a plane.
Also Read: How To Prevent And Control Bird Flue (H5N2) in Humans?
Introduction to Monkeypox
THis is a disease that jumps from animals to humans. The monkeypox virus causes it and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family. Scientists first found it in lab monkeys in 1958. Humans got it in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, it has affected countries in Central and West Africa but has popped up in other places from time to time.
Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox
Early Symptoms of Monkeypox:
At first, it shows signs that people might confuse with other virus infections. These include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Rash and Lesions
When someone infected to this virus, few days after these first signs, a rash usually shows up. This rash goes through several stages:
- Macules: Spots on the skin that are flat and have a different color.
- Papules: Bumps that stick out.
- Vesicles: Blisters full of liquid.
- Pustules: Sores containing pus.
- Scabs: Hard layers that grow over the sores.
The rash shows up on the face first then moves to other body areas, including the hands’ palms and feet’s soles.
How Long It Lasts and How Bad It Gets when got monkeypox?
Symptoms stick around for 2 to 4 weeks. While it can hit hard for kids pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems most folks get better without needing treatment.
How Monkeypox Spreads?
Animal to Human Transmission
It has the ability to spread from animals to humans when people come into direct contact with infected animals’ blood bodily fluids, or skin or mucous membrane sores. In Africa, people often get the disease after touching infected monkeys, rats, and squirrels.
Human to Human Transmission
The virus passes from person to person through respiratory drops during long face-to-face interactions. It can also spread through:
- Direct contact with body fluids or material from sores.
- Indirect contact with material from sores, like touching contaminated clothes or bedding.
Prevention of Monkeypox
Vaccination
The smallpox vaccine offers protection against monkeypox. Nations with smallpox vaccination programs have seen fewer cases.
Staying Away from Animals
To lower your risk, avoid contact with wild animals and their meat.
Personal Safety Steps
- Clean hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Wear protection: Use gloves, masks, and protective clothes when you care for sick people or handle things that might be infected.
Is Monkeypox curable or how can we cure it?
There is no any exact and specific cure for this pox, however medical persons should follow these preventive preocedure.
Care to Help Patients
No specific treatment exists for monkeypox. Good care is key and includes:
- Hydration: To drink enough fluids (Water and juices).
- Pain management: To control pain can use painkillers.
- Infection control: Stop other bacterial infections.
Antiviral Medications
Doctors might use antiviral drugs like cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat in bad cases. These medicines work well against orthopoxviruses.
We need to know the signs of monkeypox how it spreads, and ways to prevent and treat it to handle and stop outbreaks. If we stay informed and take the right steps, we can lower the chance of getting sick and have better health results.
FAQs
How does monkeypox spread?
It spreads when people or animals touch infected individuals or things with the virus on them.
What signs show up first when someone gets monkeypox?
At first, people might get a fever, headache sore muscles, backache swollen glands, chills, and feel very tired.
Can a shot stop you from getting monkeypox?
Yes, getting a smallpox shot helps protect against monkeypox too.
What should you do if you think you might have monkeypox?
See a doctor right away, stay away from others, and do what your doctor tells you about staying home and taking care of yourself.
Are there any specific treatments for monkeypox?
It has no specific treatment. Providing supportive care is essential, and doctors might use antiviral drugs to treat severe cases.
