Monkeypox: Definition, Causes, Prevent ,Symptoms & Treatment
Introduction
Monkeypox is an uncommon and contagious disease that causes a severe rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is in the same virus family as smallpox. Monkeypox was found in primates in 1958 and in humans in 1970. It primarily affects people who live in or go to Africa's endemic areas, but it can also spread to other parts of the world through contact with sick animals or people. Monkeypox has no specific therapy or vaccine, however most people recover within a few weeks.
Monkeypox Definition
Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus has two distinct clades (types): clade I and clade II. Clade I is more severe and is found primarily in Central Africa, whereas Clade II is less severe and is found primarily in West Africa. A strain identified as clade IIb is responsible for the current global outbreak of monkeypox (2022-2023).
Monkeypox Symptoms
Monkeypox symptoms often develop 6 to 16 days following virus exposure. The earliest symptoms are comparable to flu symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Goosebumps
- Migraine
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
- Inflamed lymph nodes
Rash
A rash appears on the face after 1 to 3 days of flu-like symptoms and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash is made up of tiny, raised bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters before crusting over. The rash can be unpleasant and itchy, and it can linger for two to four weeks. The rash may leave scars or discolouration on the skin.
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Fever
One of the most prevalent symptoms of monkeypox is fever. It normally lasts many days and has a temperature range of 38°C to 40°C (100.4°F to 104°F). Dehydration, weakness, and confusion can result from fever.
Migraine
Another typical symptom of monkeypox is headache. It might be minor or severe, and it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity. A headache can impair a person's quality of life and sleep.
Muscle pain
People suffering from monkeypox frequently report muscle aches. They can affect any part of the body, although they are most common in the back, neck, chest, and abdomen. Muscle discomfort might make it difficult to move or carry out regular tasks.
Lymph node enlargement
Lymph node swelling indicates that the immune system is combating the illness. They can be felt as lumps beneath the skin, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groyne. When touched, swollen lymph nodes might be uncomfortable or painful.
Monkeypox Causes
Monkeypox can be spread to people by direct contact with an infectious person, contaminated objects, or diseased animals.
Animals
Human monkeypox infection is primarily transmitted by rodents. Squirrels, rats, mice, and prairie dogs are among them. People can become infected by hunting, skinning, or cooking these animals, or by coming into contact with their blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Rodents can also transmit the virus to other species like monkeys, rabbits, and dogs.
Direct human-to-human contact
Monkeypox can also spread through human-to-human contact. Direct contact with infectious skin or mucosal lesions (such as in the mouth or on the genitals), respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact (such as talking or breathing), saliva (such as kissing), sexual contact (such as vaginal/anal sex), or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or kissing the skin) can all result in this. When there are several lesions on the skin or mucous membranes, human-to-human transmission is more likely.
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How to Avoid Monkeypox
There is no confirmed vaccination or therapy for monkeypox, however there are some strategies to prevent or lessen the severity of the disease.
Immunisation
Vaccination can help protect those at risk of infection from the virus, such as health care workers, laboratory workers, animal handlers, and travellers to endemic areas. Smallpox vaccination is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Vaccines may reduce the severity of the sickness if administered soon enough after exposure (within four days).
Avoid coming into contact with rodents.
Another strategy to avoid infection is to avoid contact with rodents or other animals that may contain the monkeypox virus. This includes not hunting, skinning, or cooking the animals, as well as not touching their blood, body fluids, or tissues. It also entails avoiding contact with or consumption of bush meat (wild game) that may be contaminated with the virus.
Put on protective clothing
Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, facemasks, eye protection, and disposable gowns, can aid in the prevention of monkeypox transmission through direct contact with infectious skin or mucosal lesions, respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact, saliva, or sexual contact. This is especially crucial for persons who care for monkeypox patients or work in health care settings where monkeypox patients are treated.
Maintain good hygiene
Good cleanliness can also help prevent monkeypox by lowering the chance of contracting the virus or spreading it to others. This includes the following:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose.
- Safe disposal of discarded tissues and other hazardous items
- Cleaning and sanitising surfaces and things that could be infected with the virus
- Refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, blankets, cutlery, or cups.
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Food should be thoroughly cooked.
Cooking food thoroughly, especially meat and animal items that may be contaminated with the virus, is one method of preventing monkeypox. Cooking with high heat can kill the microorganisms that cause monkeypox, lowering the chance of illness. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, food is safely cooked when the interior temperature reaches a specified level that varies depending on the type of food. Poultry, for example, should be cooked to 165°F, minced meat to 160°F, and fish to 145°F. A food thermometer can be used to verify the core temperature of food and ensure it is correctly cooked. It is also critical to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, as well as to thoroughly clean tools, cutting boards, and worktops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially fatal disease that causes a severe rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The monkeypox virus causes it, and it can be spread to humans by contact with sick animals or people. Monkeypox has no specific therapy or vaccine, however most people recover within a few weeks. To avoid monkeypox, avoid contact with rats or other animals that may be carriers of the virus, wear protective clothes when in touch with someone who has monkeypox, and practise excellent hygiene. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you have monkeypox or have been exposed to the virus.
Summary
In general, monkeypox is a rare disease that causes a rash, fever, and other symptoms. It is caused by a virus that can be caught from animals or people who have it. There is no treatment or medication, but you can recover on your own. To avoid acquiring it or spreading it to others, avoid animals that may have it, wear a mask and gloves when near someone who has it, and wash your hands frequently. If you suspect you have monkeypox or have been in contact with someone who has, you should visit a doctor straight away.
