Monkeypox: What is it, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
Welcome to the jungle, or should I say, welcome to the world of monkeypox! Have you ever heard of this monkey-related disease before? It’s not as well-known as other diseases, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. In this article, we’re going to learn all about monkeypox and what makes it unique. You’ll be a monkeypox expert by the time you’re finished reading!
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. This virus usually affects rodents, such as rats or mice, or nonhuman primates, such as monkeys, but it can also occur in people. The virus is primarily found in Central and West Africa, but cases have been reported in other countries due to international travel, imported animals, or close contact with an infected person or animal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring an outbreak of Monkeypox reported in 2022 throughout the world, including Europe and the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, a skin rash, headache, muscle aches, chills, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. The rash often starts on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other parts of the body, it takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal. People can spread Monkeypox from the time symptoms start until the rash and scabs heal.
The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, and through handling materials such as blankets that have been in contact with an infected person. Person to person spread occurs through direct contact with rashes, scabs, or body fluids, extended close contact, such as sexual contact, or through clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with an infected person.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent infection, it’s important to avoid close contact with people or animals who may have the virus and to handle materials that may have been in contact with an infected person or animal. Also, washing your hands frequently is key. If you suspect you have Monkeypox, or if you had contact with an infected person or animal, see your health care provider right away.
There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox, but antiviral drugs used for smallpox such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir may be used as a supportive care. Additionally, some smallpox vaccines can prevent Monkeypox, such as ACAM2000 and Jynneos. These vaccines can be used to prevent Monkeypox because smallpox and Monkeypox are caused by related viruses.
Summary
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that primarily occurs in Central and West Africa, but cases have been reported worldwide. The symptoms include fever, a skin rash, headache, muscle aches, chills, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus, and the best way to avoid the disease is by preventing infection, by raising awareness and taking preventive measures such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with infected people and animals, and seeking medical attention if you suspect you have Monkeypox.
Want to learn more about Monkeypox?
Here are some additional resources for you to dive into:
