Monkey pox : causes, precautions, prevention and treatment
Understanding Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as smallpox. This disease overwhelmingly affects parts of central and western Africa but can also pose a risk in other regions due to international travel.
Causes of Monkeypox
The primary cause of monkeypox is the Monkeypox virus. Here’s how the virus spreads:
- Direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals
- Handling or consuming meat from infected animals
- Human-to-human transmission through respiratory droplets, skin lesions, and bodily fluids
- Contaminated objects such as bedding and clothing
In many instances, the initial human infection results from direct contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Monkeypox symptoms can resemble those of smallpox and typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and exhaustion
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads to other body parts
The rash progresses through several stages before finally forming a scab and falling off.
Precautions to Prevent Monkeypox
Taking proper precautions can significantly reduce the risk of contracting monkeypox. Here are some recommendations:
- Avoid close contact with animals that could harbor the virus, especially in areas known to have monkeypox cases
- Properly cook all animal products before consumption
- Practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals
If you travel to areas where monkeypox is endemic, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to reduce exposure risks.
Preventing Human-to-Human Transmission
- Isolate infected persons from others who could be at risk
- Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals, including intimate contact
- Avoid sharing personal items with infected individuals
- Use face coverings and gloves when handling contaminated materials
Treatment for Monkeypox
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but there are ways to manage and alleviate the symptoms:
- Supportive care, such as maintaining adequate fluid intake and nutrition
- Medications to manage fever and pain, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Preventing and treating secondary bacterial infections
In some cases, antiviral agents like cidofovir or tecovirimat may be used under a physician’s supervision.
Vaccination for Monkeypox
The smallpox vaccine offers some protection against monkeypox due to the similarities between the two viruses.
- Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine can provide up to 85% protection against monkeypox
- Persons already vaccinated against smallpox may experience milder symptoms if infected with monkeypox
- A newer vaccine, JYNNEOS, has also been approved for preventing monkeypox and smallpox.
Global Efforts to Combat Monkeypox
Public health organizations worldwide are actively working to combat the spread of monkeypox. Key strategies include:
- Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases
- Public education campaigns on how to prevent and recognize monkeypox
- Research to develop more effective treatments and vaccines
- International collaboration to control outbreaks swiftly
WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
14 August 2024, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
Conclusion
Though monkeypox is a rare disease, it is essential to recognize its causes, symptoms, and the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. By understanding how the virus spreads and taking appropriate preventive measures, we can minimize the impact of monkeypox on global health. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the monkeypox virus, seek medical advice immediately to receive the best possible care.
Keep informed, stay prepared, and educate others to help combat the spread of monkeypox.
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