Can you recognize the name of this disease? It’s monkeypox, and it’s spreading fast in central Africa. This disease first came to the public’s attention in 2005 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, when hundreds of cases were diagnosed after an outbreak in the DRC’s Mayibout area; about half of those infected died, according to reports from the CDC. Since then, monkeypox has spread to both the Central African Republic and Cameroon, with cases being reported in Nigeria, Angola, South Sudan, and Uganda as well.
What you need to know about monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox. It is found mostly in Central and West Africa. The monkeypox virus is spread from contact with an infected animal, such as a monkey, squirrel, or rat. It can also be spread from contact with an infected person. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7-14 days, but can be as long as 21 days. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash develops about 5-7 days after the fever starts. The rash begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
How does it spread
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The most common way for people to contract monkeypox is through contact with the infected bodily fluids of an animal, such as a monkey, ape, or squirrel. The virus can also spread through close contact with an infected person, such as through coughing or sneezing. In addition, monkeypox can be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing.
How can you protect yourself?
Monkeypox is a virus that is spread through contact with an infected animal, usually a monkey or ape. The virus can also be spread through contact with infected human beings. The most common symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. In severe cases, monkeypox can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of the disease. You can protect yourself from monkeypox by avoiding contact with infected animals and by washing your hands often with soap and water.
Risk of infection for monkeys and humans
The risk of infection for monkeys and humans is relatively low. However, there have been a few reported cases of humans contracting the virus from monkeys. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of other pox viruses, such as smallpox. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In severe cases, monkeypox can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or death. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but patients can receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no vaccine available for human use. However, there is a vaccine that is effective in preventing monkeypox in monkeys.
Are there anti-virals
As the name suggests, monkeypox is a virus that primarily affects monkeys. However, human infections do occur, and the virus can be spread from animals to humans. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but there are some antiviral drugs that may be effective. These includeribavirin and cidofovir. Early diagnosis and treatment is important, as monkeypox can be fatal in some cases.
Who are at risk from monkeypox
People who are at risk from monkeypox include those who have recently been in close contact with an infected animal, such as a monkey, ape, or bat. They may also be at risk if they have had close contact with a person who has the disease. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can cause pain, swelling, and blistering. If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, you should see a doctor right away.
