What exactly is monkeypox?
The monkeypox virus causes an uncommon disease known as 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.
Two outbreaks of a pox-like disease in groups of monkeys used for a study led to the discovery of monkeypox in 1958. The monkeypox virus is no longer transmitted by monkeys, despite its name. Scientists aren’t sure, but it’s thought to be spread in Africa’s rainforests by small rodents and squirrels. Monkeypox virus has two categories (strains): Central African and West African. The Central African monkeypox virus is more severe than the West African monkeypox virus and is more likely to cause mortality.
#Monkeypox has so far been reported from 11 countries that normally don't have the disease. WHO is working with these countries & others to expand surveillance, and provide guidance.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 20, 2022
There are about 80 confirmed cases, and 50 pending investigations. More likely to be reported. pic.twitter.com/YQ3pVJVNVQ
Who is affected by monkeypox?
Monkeypox can affect anyone. It is more frequent in children, however. In Africa, 90 percent of the cases involved youngsters under the age of 15.
What is the duration of monkeypox?
It usually takes two to four weeks for monkeypox to run its course. If you’ve been exposed to monkeypox, your doctor will keep an eye on you for the next 21 days.
Is monkeypox a fatal disease?
Although monkeypox is less severe than smallpox, it can still be fatal. In up to 10% of cases, monkeypox results in mortality.
What are monkeypox’s indications and symptoms?
Smallpox symptoms are comparable to monkeypox symptoms however, they are milder. Monkeypox symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain.
- Fatigue.
- Lymph nodes are swollen.
- A rash with raised bumps appears after one to three days.
The rash begins on your face and extends to other regions of your body, your palms and the soles of your feet. The rash appears flat, with red pimples at first. Blisters form from the lumps, which fill with pus. The blisters will crust up and fall off within a few days.
Is monkeypox a treatable disease?
There is no safe treatment for monkeypox at this time.
Antiviral medications might help, although they haven’t been studied as a monkeypox treatment. Instead, your doctor will keep an eye on your situation and try to alleviate your symptoms. Without treatment, the majority of people improve on their own. If a monkeypox outbreak affects a large number of individuals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can use the smallpox vaccination and other therapies to stop the disease from spreading.
How do you protect yourself from the monkeypox virus?
A smallpox vaccine can protect against monkeypox, but it’s only available to persons who work with the variola (smallpox) virus in a lab. Human contact with diseased animals must be reduced, and person-to-person transmission must be limited. You can protect yourself from the monkeypox virus by doing the following:
- Stay away from diseased animals (sick or dead animals).
- Keep your distance from polluted bedding and other objects.
- After coming into contact with an infected animal, wash your hands with soap and water.
- All items with animal meat should be thoroughly cooked.
- Stay away from those who can get infected with the virus.
- When caring for infected patients, use personal protective equipment (PPE).
