Monkeypox is a rare illness caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is closely related to smallpox. It was initially found in 1958, when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in study colonies of monkeys, thus the term “monkeypox.”
During a period of increased effort to eradicate smallpox, the first human case of monkeypox was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.The World health Organization said the monkeypox virus has reported to WHO from 12 member states since May 2022
How did humans get monkeypox?
When a person comes into contact with the monkeypox virus from an animal, a human, or contaminated objects, the virus is transmitted. A bite or scratch from an infected animal, direct contact with bodily fluids, or lesion material can all result in an animal-to-human transfer.
Large respiratory droplets are assumed to be the primary mode of human-to-human transmission. Direct contact with bodily fluids or lesion material, as well as indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens, are further human-to-human transmission mechanisms.
Signs and symptoms of Monkeypox
The infection generally begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscular pains, and enlarged lymph nodes before creating a chickenpox-like rash on the face and body. The body rashes are characterized by raised bumps that develop into puss-filled blisters which dry out and fall off over time. The patient may also experience back pain, headache, and profound weakness.
It also produces symptoms similar to smallpox in a milder form. In most cases, illness last two to four weeks. The rash appears 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the beginning of fever, and it generally begins on the face and spreads to other regions of the body.
The incubation time for monkeypox is normally 7 – 14 days, although it can vary between 5 -21 days, according to health experts. People with underlying immune weakness and young children are more likely to develop severe cases.
How serious is Monkeypox in humans?
Most people with monkey fever recover without needing to be hospitalized within two to four weeks, although the condition can be fatal in rare cases. The latest strain appears to produce less severe illness. The disease kills roughly one out of every ten individuals, according to the WHO, but smallpox vaccinations and antiviral medications are being developed.
Monkey Pox In UAE
According to state news agency WAM, quoting the UAE’s health ministry, the country’s first case of monkeypox has been discovered. The virus was discovered in a 29-year-old lady who had traveled to the Gulf country from West Africa.
The ministry reassured the public that health officials are taking all precautions required.
Prevention
A variety of precautions may be taken to avoid infection with the monkeypox virus: Avoid coming into touch with animals that may be infected with the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
- Avoid touching any objects that have come into contact with a sick animal, such as bedding.
- Persons suspected of contracting monkeypox should be quarantined and their samples forwarded for testing to a recognized health facility.
- After coming into touch with infected animals or humans, wash your hands thoroughly. Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer are two examples.
- When caring for patients, wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
JYNNEOSTM (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) is an attenuated live virus vaccine that has been authorized for the prevention of monkeypox by the US Food and Drug Administration.
“Being aware of the rash of monkeypox which presents as vesicles is very important. Additional measures include vigilance in those who have traveled in the past 30 days to countries that have reported cases of monkeypox and who have contact with confirmed or suspected of monkeypox.”According to Dr.Kartik Chirabuddi, Associate professor in infectious diseases at the University of Florida.