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| Photo from nationalgeographic.com |
The monkeypox virus causes the rare disease monkeypox. It causes a rash as well as flu-like symptoms. It is categorized as an orthopoxvirus, just like the more well-known virus that causes smallpox.
Monkeypox was found in 1958 after two outbreaks of a pox-like disease in research groups of monkeys. Despite its name, the monkeypox virus is no longer transmitted by monkeys. Scientists aren't sure, but it's thought to be spread by small rodents and squirrels in Africa's rainforests. Monkeypox virus is classified into two strains: Central African and West African. The Central African monkeypox virus causes more serious infections and is more likely to kill than the West African monkeypox virus.
Monkeypox is uncommon. However, the number of cases in Africa is increasing. Because smallpox and monkeypox are caused by identical viruses, those who were immunized against smallpox were also protected against monkeypox. Because smallpox is no longer a disease and individuals are no longer immunized against it, they lack immunity against monkeypox.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the most affected by monkeypox. It is, nevertheless, present in other nations, including the United States. The first outbreak of monkeypox outside of Africa occurred in the United States in the spring of 2003. Texas received a consignment of sick animals from Ghana. The virus was carried by infected rodents to pet prairie dogs, who ultimately infected 47 people in the Midwest. A case of monkeypox was discovered in a U.S. resident who had traveled from Nigeria to the United States in the summer of 2021.
Monkeypox can affect anyone. It is, however, more frequent in children. In Africa, 90% of cases involved youngsters under the age of 15.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX?
The symptoms of monkeypox are comparable to but less severe than those of smallpox. Early symptoms of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms like:
- Lymph nodes that are swollen.
A rash with raised bumps appears one to three days later. The rash usually begins on your face and extends to other regions of your body, including your palms and soles of your feet. The rash begins with flat, red pimples. The lumps develop into blisters that fill with pus. The blisters crust over and fall off after a few days.
HOW DOES ONE CATCH MONKEYPOX?
Monkeypox is transmitted when you come into contact with an infected animal or person. Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, such as from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or pox lesions of an infected animal.
Monkeypox can also pass from person to person, but it is less common. When you come into contact with virus particles from another person, this is known as person-to-person spread (transmission). The virus can be spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Long-term face-to-face contact is required, but you can then breathe in these tiny droplets from someone else (respiratory droplets) or get them in your eyes or nose. You can potentially contract it by touching the sores on an infected person.
You can also contract monkeypox by coming into direct or indirect contact with virus-infected materials. Clothing, bedding, and other linens worn by an infected human or animal are examples of these materials.
HOW IS MONKEYPOX DIAGNOSED?
Because monkeypox is so uncommon, your doctor may consider other rash infections first, such as measles, chickenpox, or even smallpox. Swollen lymph nodes, on the other hand, distinguish monkeypox from other poxes.
To diagnose monkeypox, your doctor will take a tissue sample and examine it under a microscope. A blood sample may also be required to test for the monkeypox virus or antibodies produced by your immune system.
IS MONKEYPOX TREATABLE?
There is no established, safe treatment for monkeypox at the moment. Antiviral medications may be beneficial, although they have not been investigated as a treatment for monkeypox. Instead, your doctor will keep an eye on your situation and try to alleviate your symptoms. Most patients recover on their own, without the need for treatment. If there is a monkeypox outbreak involving numerous persons, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides alternatives for controlling the disease's transmission, including the smallpox vaccination and other therapies.
HOW CAN MONKEYPOX BE PREVENTED?
A smallpox vaccine can protect against monkeypox, but its usage is now restricted to persons who work with the variola (smallpox) virus in a lab. Prevention relies on reducing human contact with diseased animals and restricting person-to-person transmission. You can avoid the monkeypox virus by doing the following:
- Staying away from diseased animals (especially sick or dead animals).
- Avoiding contact with contaminated bedding and other objects.
- After coming into contact with an infected animal, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Cooking all items containing animal meat or components thoroughly.
- Avoiding contact with anyone who may have the illness.
- When caring for people infected with the virus, use personal protective equipment (PPE).
What is the duration of monkeypox?
Monkeypox usually runs its course in two to four weeks. If you are exposed to monkeypox, your provider will keep you under observation for 21 days.
Is monkeypox deadly?
Although monkeypox is less severe than smallpox, it can still be fatal. Monkeypox can be fatal in up to 10% of cases.
CONCLUSION
Monkeypox, like smallpox, is a rare disease. It is found primarily in western and central Africa and is usually not a cause for concern in the United States. However, outbreaks have occurred, and it is critical to recognize the signs. The first symptoms are flu-like, with fever, chills, and body pains. Within a few days, a rash will appear. Although monkeypox is less severe than smallpox, it is still crucial to visit a doctor if you develop any symptoms.
