Monkeypox: What it is, Transmission & Symptoms

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. Learn about Symptoms & Prevention.

Monkeypox

Humanity has been facing a developing epidemic since early May, with the first deaths already recorded. Monkeypox is a viral infection that has been around for 64 years and is spreading globally, prompting an immediate response from the World Health Organization (WHO), which declared a state of emergency. The epidemic is spreading at an increasing rate in dozens of countries worldwide, already reaching 75, many of which are experiencing it for the first time. However, there is good news, as the type of monkeypox that appeared in May, the West African type, rarely leads to death.

What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis primarily transmitted by wild animals found in parts of Central and West Africa. The monkeypox virus usually affects rodents such as rats or mice, and monkeys, and can also occur in humans. Monkeypox , the much-discussed virus of recent months, belongs to the genus called Orthopoxvirus , which also includes the variola virus, the disease that afflicted humanity for centuries until its eradication in the 1970s. “Monkeypox is not a new disease. The first cases were isolated in 1958.”

How is Monkeypox transmitted? The monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. It affects any individual and does not concern or originate from specific population groups. The modes of transmission of monkeypox include: Close personal contact Exposure to biological fluids Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (e.g., bedding, clothing, etc.) Also, a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus . It should be noted that monkeypox is not purely sexually transmitted, but can be transmitted through sexual contact during physical contact .

Symptoms Monkeypox appears with a characteristic rash 1 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms, which include: Fever Headache Muscle aches Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion The characteristic blisters of monkeypox fill with pus and fall off after 2 to 4 weeks.

Monkeypox: Images

"The disease is transmitted from animal to human through bites, scratches, bodily fluids, etc."

Self-limiting Disease & Treatment Monkeypox is characterized as a self-limiting disease and in most cases, it progresses mildly . . Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox . In most patients, treatment aims at symptom relief . However, the doctor may also recommend antiviral medications used for smallpox. The vaccines used against smallpox appear to provide protection against monkeypox as well. In addition, new vaccines are being developed, and one has received approval for the prevention of monkeypox . If you are diagnosed with the disease, it is advisable to isolate yourself in a separate room of the house until your rashes completely subside.

Prevention Prevention of monkeypox is based on avoiding close contact with people who are ill or have a rash resembling monkeypox, as well as contact with sheets, clothes, blankets, etc. of people who have been in contact with an infected person or animal . Adherence to basic hygiene rules , such as hand washing after contact with an infected person or animal, and generally avoiding animals that may carry the virus, is also important. " Infectious diseases know no borders and make no distinctions in their transmission, and for this reason, preventive measures are recommended without exception for the entire community," states the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

What is the difference between smallpox, chickenpox, and monkeypox?

Smallpox, the infectious disease eradicated in the 1980s, is caused by strains of the Variola major and Variola minor viruses. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same genus of viruses that cause smallpox. Monkeypox is less contagious and has milder symptoms. Chickenpox is a childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Can my pet get monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which can be transmitted between humans and animals. However, it is currently not considered a risk to pets.