This morning on the news,[2] it was discovered that the States has diagnosed her first case of the MonkeyPox Virus from an international passenger. Yeah I know we are still trying to get over the COVID-19 pandemic and it seems another virus is lurking in upon us. Ya’ll just need to stay safe and practice good and safe hygiene.
This post will show readers important steps to take to prevent this virus, symptoms to look out for, and importantly, all you need to know about this new deadly Monkeypox virus.
Firstly, the monkeypox is a very rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, it is similar to small pox.
However, it is commonly found in African regions but has been evidently seen in other areas of the world at large. Monkeypox can be seen as flu-like symptoms such as chills and fever, also a rash can develop within 2 to 5 days. There is no scientifically backed treatment found yet for monkeypox, but it usually goes away on its own within a certain period of time.
What is the Monkeypox virus?
Monkeypox is a very rare infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It often leads to itchy-rash and flu-like symptoms. Like the better-known virus that causes smallpox, it is regarded as an orthopoxvirus. [1]
Monkeypox was found in the year 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. Regardless of its name, the monkeypox virus no longer comes from monkeys. Scientists are not certain, but it is believed to be spread by little rodents and squirrels in the rainforests of Africa.
There are, however, two types (strains) of monkeypox virus, they include; Central African and West African. The Central African monkeypox virus can cause more severe infections and has high chance to cause death than the West African monkeypox virus. – According to Cleveland Clinic [3]
Although, smallpox and monkeypox are caused by similar viruses, so when people were vaccinated against smallpox it can also protect them from getting the monkeypox virus, stay safe, and take all important vaccines! Since smallpox is no longer a rampant disease, people are no longer vaccinated against it, they don’t have much protection against the monkeypox virus.
Who does the monkeypox virus affect?
The Monkeypox Virus can be affected by Anyone. However, it is usually common in children. In most studied cases in Africa, 90% were among children under 15 years old.
Signs and symptoms of monkeypox
Monkeypox symptoms are very similar but milder than smallpox symptoms. The early signs of monkeypox include symptoms such as:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Increase in Temperature
- Severe Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Fatigue.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
After one to three days, a red-like rash with raised bumps is formed. The rash is often seen on your face and then spreads to other parts of your body, including the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. The rash starts as flat, red itchy bumps. The bumps turn into painful blisters, which fill with pus. After several days, the blisters crust over and fall off.
Prevention of the monkeypox virus
Usually, a smallpox vaccine can protect against the monkeypox virus, but its use is currently limited to people who work in a lab with the variola (smallpox) virus. Prevention depends on decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. You can protect yourself against the monkeypox virus by:
- Avoiding contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals).
- Avoiding contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Washing your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with an infected animal.
- Thoroughly cooking all foods that contain animal meat or parts.
- Avoiding contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus. – According to Cleveland Clinic.
Is there a Cure for the monkeypox virus?
Currently, there are no proven, safe treatment available for monkeypox. However, an antiviral drugs may help, but they haven’t been studied thoroughly as a treatment for monkeypox. Instead, your healthcare provider will observe your condition and try to diagnose your symptoms. In most cases, people get better on their own without treatment. If there is an outbreak of monkeypox in multiple people, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has options to control the spread of the disease using the smallpox vaccine and other treatments when required.
How long does monkeypox last before it goes Away?
Monkeypox usually takes up to about two to four weeks to run its course. If you have been in any way exposed to monkeypox, your physician will monitor you for 21 days.
However, monkeypox is much milder than smallpox, but it can still be fatal if not diagnosed properly and early. Monkeypox has caused death in up to 10% of cases discovered.
Disclaimer: The above information/post published in this article is solely meant for informational and educational purposes only and should be treated as such. The article written/published does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and should not be regarded as medical advice.
