The current outbreak of monkeypox has now reached Australia, North America, South America, and the Middle East, although there are still a large number of suspected cases in many other countries. While no deaths outside Africa have yet been confirmed, one person died in Nigeria due to an undetected transmission of monkeypox in May. The World Health Organization blames recent amplifying events in Spain and Belgium for the spread of monkeypox.
Symptoms
If you have never had monkeypox, you may wonder what the symptoms are. Monkeypox is spread by respiratory droplets and can also be transmitted through direct contact with the material of lesion. The symptoms of monkeypox can be mild or severe, and you may be at risk for developing the disease if you are not aware of them. The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid being in close contact with infected people.
The incubation period for monkeypox is seven to 14 days. During the first days, initial symptoms may be flu-like. As the infection progresses, lymph nodes may swell, allowing the immune system to fight the disease. A widespread rash of red, raised, and blistered lesions will form, often on the face and body. These lesions are painful and fluid-filled. They typically scab over two to three weeks after contracting the virus.
Transmission
Although transmission of monkeypox is rare, the virus is still a cause of public health concern. The disease can cause lesion-like skin rashes, and its DNA has undergone a genetic change. Scientists have been warning about possible outbreaks of the disease for years, but funding agencies have not listened to their warnings. Fortunately, a recent study has provided the first detailed genomic data on monkeypox, and the discovery of a new virus that is capable of transmitting the disease.
The transmission of monkeypox virus is possible through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated bedding. The incubation period varies from six to thirteen days. People infected with monkeypox should isolate themselves from other susceptible people. Infected people should practice good hand hygiene after any contact. After an infected person has rash, specimen collection can be done. It is important to note that swabbing may rupture the lesion.
Treatment
There is currently no proven cure for monkeypox, but it can be managed by a doctor. Most cases improve on their own without treatment, but some patients may need antiviral drugs to manage their symptoms. In rare cases, specific antiviral therapy may be necessary, and it's best to consult with a public health professional about the best option for you. Patients may also develop a rash that resembles those from a variety of other illnesses, including herpes and syphilis.
Typically, monkeypox is self-limiting and resolves within two to four weeks, but it can be severe in children and those with weakened immune systems. The infection causes thousands of lesions to grow together, and can cause the loss of large areas of skin at one time. Monkeypox has been responsible for death in 1/10 of those infected in Africa. Children are the most vulnerable population and should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Prevention
Monkeypox is a highly contagious disease that is spread through contact with infected people or animals. Humans can contract monkeypox from contaminated materials, including bedding, clothes, and other personal items. The virus is also spread through the respiratory tract via contact with infected aerosols or respiratory droplets. Monkeypox is more commonly transmitted during early symptoms. As a result, prevention is vital to preventing the disease.
Infected people show mild symptoms without medical intervention. People with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease. Although there are antiviral medicines available to treat smallpox, these have not been studied for monkeypox. The best way to prevent monkeypox is to stay away from infected people and animals, wash your hands frequently, and follow good hygiene. To prevent monkeypox, learn the signs of the disease and learn how to avoid it.
