With monkeypox cases on the rise, staying informed and prepared is essential. This guide will help you understand how monkeypox spreads, recognize its symptoms, and learn effective prevention and treatment strategies to keep you and your loved ones safe.
How monkeypox spread?
When we thought we had a breakthrough and reaching towards endemic, then comes another Zoonotic Outbreak (aka) Monkeypox.
It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Did you know?
It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An orthopoxviral that causes a disease with symptoms similar, but less severe, to smallpox. Too much to digest? Don’t worry, we got you covered.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Monkeypox presents with fever, an extensive characteristic rash and usually swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period of it can range from 5 to 21 days.
The febrile stage of illness usually lasts 1 to 3 days with symptoms including fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, myalgia (muscle ache), and an intense asthenia (lack of energy) Lesions evolve from macules (lesions with a flat base) to papules (raised firm painful lesions) to vesicles (filled with clear fluid) to pustules.
How to treat and what can be done to minimize the risks of transmission?
There are no treatments specifically for this virus infections, treatment of infected patients is supportive and dependent on the symptoms.
Vaccination against smallpox with first generation vaccinia-virus based smallpox vaccine was shown to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox in the past.
Well, another way is to properly cook all animal meat or parts of it before eating! And yes, living in the new norm, hand gloves and other personal protective clothing and equipment should be worn while taking care of the sick, whether in a health facility or in the home.
DISCLAIMER: In the event you someone you know are feeling unwell, immediately refer to registered health professionals who should be able to assist you with the proper care and treatment!
Is monkeypox deadly?
This virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and it is rarely fatal. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%.
So, what preventive measures you can take?
- Avoid contact with infected people/animals with monkeypox
- Do not touch the rash or scabs
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with monkeypox
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with people with monkeypox
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat
- Even with this Coronavirus still lingering around and now with Monkeypox joining the spread, best is to stock up face mask.
- Use the handy cleansing wipes to clean your mobile phone after using it or on any surfaces that needs to be sanitized
If you are sick with monkeypox:
- Isolate at home
- If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.
