Hello readers,
It is no news whatsoever any more " the recent outbreak of monkeypox " You must have heard about the recent outbreak of monkeypox in Bayelsa. A question that would have most likely come up in your mind was: “What is really monkey pox?”
Well, bearing reference to its unique name, it was first discovered among some isolated monkeys in Denmark in 1958. It was not known to have any effect on humans until the year 1970 when a 9 year old boy was discovered to have contracted monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, there have been a few outbreaks mainly in West and Central Africa.
Is the monkeypox virus deadly?
Yes, it could be deadly. Although never as deadly as smallpox nor as deadly as Ebola.
Monkeypox kills less than 10% of people who contract it. The most common form of smallpox killed about 30% of people who had it, with up to 80% of people infected developing serious scars , especially on their faces. The average risk of death from ebola among those infected was higher than 50% during its last outbreak in West Africa.
Even though it is far less deadly when compared to smallpox and Ebola, it is of high importance to know it’s signs, symptoms and how it is prevented.
What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
When a person has been infected with monkeypox, it takes about 7-14 days for any symptoms or signs to show.
The first few features of this disease are usually non-specific. Here are some of the signs and symptoms:
1.Fever
2.Intense headache
3.Body Weakness
4.Muscle pain
5.Back pain
6.Swelling of lymph nodes
Within a day to 3 days after these symptoms start, a rash usually develops around the face. It then spreads to other parts of the body.
The illness usually lasts for about 2-4 weeks.
HOW IS MONKEYPOX TRANSMITTED?
The primary method of transmission in human outbreaks is from infected animals. Monkeypox has been isolated in animals like:
Squirrels
Rats and
Monkeys
It is common in rural populations where infected animals can be hunted, killed and eaten. Close contact with an infected animal can lead to the human spread of this virus.
Monkeypox can also be transmitted from person-to-person. This method of transmission is less common than transmission from infected animals.
It can be spread by:
1.direct Contact with blood, body fluids and rash of an infected person
2.Close contact with respiratory droplets like cough and sneezes.
3.Close contact with clothes and linen used by infected persons.
HOW CAN IT BE TREATED AND PREVENTED?
There is no specific medication for monkeypox virus. However, people often recover fully from treatment of its symptoms.
There is also no available vaccine for it.
monkey pox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with infected animals and persons.
Also, especially during outbreaks like this, it is advisable to properly cook animal meat before eating as this usually kills the virus.
Health workers can also prevent being infected by the use of gloves and other personal protective equipment.
Even though it is not as deadly as smallpox or Ebola, it is important to understand how monkeypox is spread and prevented, especially as there is an ongoing outbreak in Bayelsa which has even spread to some other states.
You should not panic but try to avoid close contact with infected rodents and monkeys. Also do ensure you eat adequately cooked meat.
Thanks for reading..
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http://validminds..co.ke/2017/10/some-little-facts-you-may-not-know-yet.html?m=1

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