Facts You Should Know About Monkey Pox

May 25, 2022

New cases of Monkeypox have been found in parts of Europe and North America. The virus passes from infected animals such as rodents to humans. The world hasn’t rebounded back from the Covid pandemic and the thought of having another potential pandemic is creating terror in minds of many. 

Here are some facts about this new potential epidemic you must know.

1. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to smallpox. It is usually found in Africa, but it has been observed in other parts of the world.

2. There is no documented treatment for monkeypox, although it normally goes away on its own.

3. It was found in 1958 in monkeys kept for scientific research purpose. In 1970, the first human case of monkeypox was reported.

4. Monkeypox can be contracted by a bite from an infected animal or through contact with its blood, bodily fluids, or hair. It is believed that rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels transmit it. It is also possible to get the sickness by consuming uncooked meat from an infected animal.

5. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion. Later symptoms include a rash with raised pimples, which commonly appears on the face one to three days or more after the onset of the fever.

6. Some of these illnesses, according to health professionals, may be transferred through sexual contact. The WHO also stated that it was looking into the fact that majority of the reported cases were persons who identified as homosexual or bisexual.

7. Mortality of this flu is 10% of the cases.

8. The first epidemic of monkeypox outside of Africa occurred in the United States in the spring of 2003. Texas received a consignment of sick animals from Ghana. The virus was carried by infected rodents to pet prairie dogs, who ultimately infected 47 humans in the Midwest.

9. United States, Canada, Spain and Portugal reported verified cases of monkeypox.

10. According to the WHO, the incubation period (time between infection and development of symptoms) of monkeypox is generally 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

11. According to preliminary studies, the majority of the patients fell ill after having close contact with infected prairie dogs acquired as pets. Some patients may have become infected via coming into touch with diseased animals, such as a Gambian giant rat (bought as an exotic pet) and a bunny.

12. To diagnose monkeypox, your doctor will take a tissue sample and examine it under a microscope. A blood sample may also be required to test for the monkeypox virus or antibodies produced by your immune system.

13. Monkeypox virus is categorized into two strains: Central African and West African. The Central African monkeypox virus produces more serious illnesses and is more likely to kill than the West African monkeypox virus.

Precautions against monkeypox

The CDC is investigating the possible role of postexposure smallpox vaccination usage as well as therapeutic use of the antiviral medication cidofovir. However, it is presently only used by those who work in a lab with the variola (smallpox) virus.

Prevention is dependent on reducing human contact with diseased animals and restricting person-to-person transmission. You may protect yourself from the monkeypox virus by doing the following:

       1. Staying away from diseased animals (especially sick or dead animals).

       2. Avoid contact with virus-infected bedding and other objects.

      3. Following contact with an infected animal, wash your hands with soap and water.

      4. All items containing animal flesh or components should be thoroughly cooked.

      5. Keeping away from those who may be infected with the virus.

      6. When caring for patients who have been infected with the virus, use personal protective equipment (PPE).