Monkeypox – Symptoms, Causes. Treatment and Prevention
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease similar to smallpox and is mostly found in African countries. Recently, the disease is being seen in out of African countries. previously it was never seen before. It is a zoonotic disease meaning it gets transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa or even from human to human.
What are the common symptoms of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms are quite similar to that of smallpox and can take 5 to 21 days to appear. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Following these symptoms, rashes develop causing painful blisters filled with pus. However, the current 2022 monkeypox version does not follow the pattern and presents with only a few lesions and no other signs of illness. However, the infected person can still spread this to others even if he or she is not suffering from any of the symptoms but are active carriers of this virus.
What are the causes of Monkeypox?
The only known way of spreading monkeypox virus is by coming in contact with an infected animal or person. The transmission can occur through broken skin, contact with blood, bodily fluids or sores. It can also be transmitted through close contact like kissing, cuddling or having sex with an infected person. In African countries it was found in man having sex with man (MSM), Contaminated materials like bedding, clothing and other linen are also said to be known carriers of this virus. Like COVID19 it can spread through direct contact with infected surface so one has to take all the precautions which were being followed in COVID19 Pandemic.
How is monkeypox treated and prevented?
Currently, there is no known treatment for this disease only supported treatment though antiviral drugs help in relieving some of the symptoms. The disease is said to be a self-limited disease that gets better on its own. The only protection is said to be the smallpox vaccine, In India fortunately most of the population had chickenpox so they are protected with monkeypox, though its usage is currently limited to clinical trials only. The best way of preventing the spread if this virus by avoiding any contact with infected animals and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. If you or any friend of yours is experiencing any of the above given symptoms, it is best to get yourself tested at Accord hospital today for early detection and treatment.
