The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern on Saturday (PHEIC). The virus, which was discovered in monkeys, is now spreading to humans through close contact with an infected person. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man from Delhi tested positive for the Monkeypox virus on Sunday, bringing India’s total to four.
The disease is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals), with symptoms similar to smallpox patients in the past, though clinically less severe.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus that is similar to smallpox. It is mostly found in Africa, but it has been seen in other parts of the world as well. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, as well as a rash that can last for weeks. Monkeypox has no proven treatment, but it usually goes away on its own.
Symptoms of Monkeypox:
It may take several days to a few weeks after exposure to develop symptoms. Early symptoms of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms such as:
Fever.
Chills.
Headache.
Muscle pain.
Fatigue.
Lymph nodes that are swollen.
A rash usually appears after a few days. The rash begins with flat, red bumps that can be painful. These bumps develop into blisters that fill with pus. The blisters eventually crust over and fall off; the entire process can take two to four weeks. Sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus are also possible.
Not everyone who has monkeypox experiences all of the symptoms. In fact, many cases in the current (2022) outbreak are not following the typical pattern of symptoms. This unusual presentation includes only a few lesions, no swollen lymph nodes, a lower fever, and fewer other symptoms of illness. You can have it and be unaware of it. Even if you don’t show many symptoms of infection, you can still infect others through prolonged close contact.
How does one get 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, bodily fluids, or pox lesions of an infected animal (sores).
Monkeypox can be transmitted from person to person, but it is uncommon. Person-to-person spread (transmission) occurs when you come into contact with an infected person’s sores, scabs, respiratory droplets, or oral fluids, typically through close, intimate situations such as cuddling, kissing, or sex. Researchers are still investigating whether the virus is transmitted through sperm or vaginal fluids.
Monkeypox can also be contracted by coming into contact with recently contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding and other linens used by an infected person or animal.
How to Prevent Monkeypox:
- To avoid contracting the disease, avoid eating undercooked meat and other animal products.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has been infected with the virus.
- Keep a safe distance from the infected person.
- Avoid using infected person’s materials, such as bedding, as they may be contaminated with the virus.
- Contact with the sick person’s material can increase the chances of infection transmission. In the event of an accidental contact, disinfect your hands with soap, water, or alcohol-based sanitizers.
Is Monkeypox Dangerous?
According to WHO, monkeypox is a virus that causes mild symptoms including fever, aches, and pus-filled skin lesions and the infected people tend to recover within two to four weeks.
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
Because monkeypox is uncommon, your doctor may suspect other rash illnesses first, such as measles or chickenpox. Swollen lymph nodes, on the other hand, usually distinguish monkeypox from other poxes.
Your doctor will take a tissue sample from an open sore to diagnose monkeypox (lesion). The sample is then sent to a laboratory for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). A blood sample may also be required to test for the monkeypox virus or antibodies produced by your immune system.
Is monkeypox curable?
Monkeypox is typically a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks. Most people with monkeypox recover without treatment. Following a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition, try to relieve your symptoms, prevent dehydration, and prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if they develop.
There is currently no approved antiviral treatment for monkeypox. Antiviral medications may help, but they have not been studied as a treatment for monkeypox. Several investigational antivirals with anti-monkeypox activity are available, but only as part of a research study.
How long does monkeypox last?
Monkeypox usually runs its course in two to four weeks. If you get monkeypox, your provider will keep an eye on you until the rash goes away.
Is monkeypox deadly?
The current global outbreak is being caused by the less severe West African clade (2022). So far, no one has died as a result of this outbreak. However, monkeypox can cause complications such as pneumonia and infections in your brain (encephalitis) or eyes, which can be fatal.
