Are you familiar with monkey pox?

Anxiety has been felt in Indonesia as a result of news of the spread of the contagious disease monkeypox (monkeypox). Although cases of monkeypox in humans have been reported for the first time in Southeast Asia, other nations including the Central African Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone have also seen cases.

A. Describe monkeypox.

A viral infection of animal origin is the cause of the illness known as monkeypox (zoonotic virus). The term "monkeypox virus" refers to the disease. The primary hosts are monkeys. As a result, the illness is known as monkey smallpox. The first cases of human-to-monkey transmission were found in 1970 in Congo, South Africa.

 

B. What triggers it, and how is it spread?

The Orthopoxviruses, a subfamily of the Poxviridae family of viruses, are responsible for both chickenpox and monkeypox.

Animals and people can both contract the monkeypox virus. Transmission by scratches, bites, and undercooked meat from infected animals like mice, squirrels, and monkeys. Humans can become infected by animal body fluids through wounds on their skin, mucous membranes, or respiratory tracts. Transmission can also happen through contaminated things, such patient clothing. The virus can also pass from pregnant women's placentas to fetuses. However, this human-to-human transmission mechanism is difficult and necessitates protracted contact.

 

C. What signs are present?

Smallpox's early symptoms might linger for up to three days. The rash will then start to develop on the face and extend to the arms and legs, among other body areas. The first rash that emerges will progress from a fluid-filled nodule to one that is filled with pus, break and crust, then form ulcers on the skin's surface.

The first signs of monkeypox will show up 5–21 days after the patient contracts the virus. The following are early signs of monkeypox:

1. Chills and fever
2. worn out or limp
3. Headache
4. Cough
5. A red eye
6. clogged nose
7. A sore muscle
8. reduced appetite
9. Lumpy lymph nodes that are swollen might cause lumps in the groin, armpit, or neck.
10. Red or swollen skin patches
11. hair fall

Monkeypox is self-limited, meaning that depending on each person's resiliency and immunity, it can heal without therapy and only causes minor symptoms.

Monkeypox is typically curable. Although uncommon, consequences from this condition are nevertheless possible. Children, those with weakened immune systems, those who have not received the vaccine, as well as those who reside in endemic nations or unsanitary places, are more likely to experience serious problems from monkeypox.

D. How can it be avoided?

For cases of monkeypox, there is presently no safe vaccine or treatment. We can stop and treat infections as soon as they start in order to stop the spread of monkeypox.

There are various steps that can be taken to avoid contracting the monkeypox virus, including:

1. Avoid coming into contact with any animals that might be viral reservoirs (including animals that are sick or found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
2. Avoid coming into contact with anything that has been in contact with an ill animal, including blood or raw meat.
3. Keep infected people apart from those who may contract the disease.
4. The use of eating utensils should not be shared, and the same goes for sharing the same objects with those who have monkeypox.
5. After coming into contact with infected individuals or animals, wash your hands. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing your hands with soap and water are two examples.
6. When treating patients, wear personal protection equipment. The smallpox vaccination is advised for use in hospitals, laboratories, and those suspected of having come into contact with patients or their samples.
7. Travelers who have recently left locations where monkeypox is prevalent must to check themselves as away if they exhibit symptoms.