Getting to Know Monkey Pox

What is monkeypox ?

Monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that is transmitted by animals (zoonosis). This disease was first discovered in monkeys in Denmark in 1958. Therefore, this disease is called monkey smallpox. The first human case was reported in 1970 in Congo, Central Africa.

What causes monkey pox ?

Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus is transmitted from infected animals to humans. Animals that can transmit this disease include rats, squirrels, all types of primates, and prairie dogs (a kind of rodent in America). The main host of this virus is rodents (such as mice).

How is monkeypox transmitted ?

Humans can be infected with this disease if they come into direct contact with infected animals, either through bites, scratches, or contact with blood or animal body fluids. Consuming the meat of infected wild animals can also cause a person to get this disease. Monkeypox is spread between humans through droplets that enter through the eyes, mouth, nose, or skin. The skin lesions of patients with this disease are also contagious. Transmission can also occur through objects that have been contaminated with sufferers, such as clothes, bedding, towels, etc. Pregnant women who are infected can also cause the fetus to become infected.

What are the symptoms of monkey pox ?

Symptoms of monkeypox will appear 5–21 days after the sufferer is infected with the monkeypox virus. The early symptoms of monkeypox are :

1. Fever, Chills
2. Exhausted or weak
3. Headache
4. Muscle pain
5. Swollen lymph nodes, which are characterized by lumps in the neck, armpit, or groin.

After the initial symptoms appear, a rash or red spots will appear on the skin, which later develop into nodules, watery patches, and scabs. Symptoms on the skin generally last for 2–4 weeks. After all the scabs have fallen off, the patient has entered the healing phase and is no longer contagious.

How to treat monkeypox ?

To date, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox. The treatment given aims to reduce and relieve the symptoms felt. This disease usually goes away on its own in 2-4 weeks. While the spread of monkeypox can be prevented with the smallpox vaccine (smallpox), which is not yet generally available, Some countries use antiviral drugs such as brincidofovir and tecovirimat to treat monkeypox. However, there is not much data on the effectiveness of these drugs. Please note that monkeypox sufferers need to get treatment in an isolation room to get monitoring from a doctor and prevent the spread of the disease. Monkeypox has a high cure rate. Although rare, this disease can still cause complications. The risk of serious complications from monkeypox is higher in children, people with weak immune systems, and people living in endemic countries or areas with poor sanitation.

How to prevent Monkeypox ?

The main prevention of monkeypox is to avoid direct contact with primates and rodents, such as monkeys and squirrels, or people who are infected. Some other preventive steps that can be taken are :

1. Implementing clean and healthy living behaviors. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before cooking or handling food, before eating, before touching your nose or eyes, and before cleaning wounds.
2. Avoid sharing the use of eating utensils with others. Also, do not share the same items with people who are infected with monkeypox.
3. Avoid contact with wild animals such as rats or primates or consuming meat that is hunted by wild animals.
4. Cooking food ingredients, especially meat, until cooked.
5. Avoiding physical contact with infected people or contaminated materials.
6. If you have a pet that is suspected of being infected with the monkeypox virus, contact your veterinarian immediately and do not allow the animal to roam. It is important to remember to use gloves and a mask before coming into contact with the pet.
7. Travelers who have just returned from monkeypox-infected areas should immediately check themselves if they experience symptoms.
8. Health workers should use PPE when handling sick patients or animals.