What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus that causes a contagious disease in humans, it can be transmitted from animals with the virus to humans, and animals can get infected with a virus from humans but it is also possible that the virus can be transmitted from humans to humans through close contact with the infected individual.
Smallpox, a rare, severe, and ordinary rash disease, normally concentrates on the face, hands, and feet with skin lesions being the first rash blister.
Monkeypox: Understanding Transmission, Symptoms, and Prevention
Monkeypox is an emerging infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus responsible for smallpox.
Though less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can still lead to significant health issues, making awareness and understanding critical.
This blog post will cover the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of monkeypox to help you stay informed and protected.
Transmission of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is primarily a zoonotic disease, meaning it originates in animals and can be transmitted to humans. Infected animals, such as rodents and primates, are the main sources of the virus.
Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions. Consuming undercooked meat from infected animals also poses a risk.
Although less common, human-to-human transmission occurs through close physical contact with an infected person.
This includes touching skin lesions, respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact, and contact with contaminated objects, like clothing or bedding. Given these transmission routes, it’s crucial to maintain hygiene and avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of monkeypox.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Monkeypox symptoms typically appear 6 to 13 days after exposure to the virus, though the incubation period can range from 5 to 21 days. The disease usually starts with flu-like symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
These initial symptoms are followed by the appearance of a rash or skin lesions, which usually begin on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the hands and feet.
The rash progresses through several stages, starting as flat lesions and then turning into raised bumps, blisters, pustules, and finally crusts that fall off as the lesions heal.
The severity of monkeypox varies, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may develop more serious complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, or eye infections that could lead to vision loss.
Outbreaks of Monkeypox
Since 1970, Monkeypox has occasionally surfaced in Central and East Africa (clade I) and West Africa (clade II). In 2003, an outbreak in the United States was traced back to imported wild animals (clade II). Every year since 2005, thousands of suspected cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 2017,
Monkeypox resurfaced in Nigeria and has continued to spread within the country and among travelers.
In May 2022, an unexpected outbreak of Monkeypox quickly spread across Europe, the Americas, and eventually all six WHO regions. Over 110 countries reported approximately 87,000 cases and 112 deaths.
This global outbreak primarily affected (but was not limited to) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, spreading mostly through sexual networks.
In 2022, there were alsoMonkeypox outbreaks due to Clade I MPXV in refugee camps in the Republic of Sudan, though the source of the virus has not been identified.
Prevention of Monkeypox
Preventing monkeypox involves taking several precautions, especially in regions where the virus is prevalent or during outbreaks. Here are some key preventive measures:
Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Refrain from handling or consuming animals that could carry the virus, particularly in areas where monkeypox is known to occur.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after contact with animals, handling raw meat, or touching potentially contaminated objects.
Isolate Infected Individuals: If someone is diagnosed with monkeypox, they should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus. Caregivers should wear protective clothing, including masks and gloves when caring for infected individuals.
Vaccination: Although there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, the smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection. In areas experiencing outbreaks, vaccination campaigns may be initiated for high-risk populations.
Safe Food Practices: Ensure that all animal products, particularly meat, are thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Avoid Close Contact: During outbreaks, avoid close physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of monkeypox, including sharing personal items like bedding, towels, or clothing.
Conclusion
While monkeypox is not as contagious or deadly as smallpox, it remains a serious health concern that requires vigilance, particularly in regions where the virus is endemic.
By understanding how monkeypox is transmitted, recognizing its symptoms, and adhering to preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Stay informed and protect yourself and your community from this emerging infectious disease.