Health and Fitness

Monkeypox Outbreaks around the World: Know its Symptoms and Causes

Monkeypox Virus Symptoms, Causes, and Preventive Measures to Know

WHO has recently announced the possible risk of an outbreak of another new and risky virus called the Monkeypox virus. The disease is spreading faster in nations that have no travel history to Africa, the country where this virus was limited earlier.  What is the Monkeypox virus, its symptoms, and how does it spread?

What is Monkeypox Virus and Where Does it Come From?

monkeypox virus symptoms

via:india

Monkeypox comes from a virus similar to Smallpox and was first identified in monkeys in 1958. After 12 years after its detection, the virus was first reported in a 9-years-old kid in Congo.

At that time, smallpox was completed eradicated from Congo. Ever since then virus spread to 11 African countries. Its largest outbreak happened in 2017 in Nigeria where more than 200 cases were confirmed among 500 suspected cases.

Symptoms of Monkeypox Virus

monkeypox virus symptoms

via:fitandfun

Since its the same as smallpox, the symptoms are usually similar with the only exception that monkeypox causes swelling of lymph nodes. Although this is a sign that your body is fighting an infection or virus, if it keeps getting bigger you must consult a doctor.

Other than this sign, the monkeypox virus causes:

  • Fever with chills
  • Pain in muscle
  • Headaches
  • Feeling of exhaustion

These are the initial symptoms and with time, patients will get painful rashes and small poxes on different body parts. It also causes itching in the areas affected. Typically, all of these symptoms go off within 2-4 weeks.

Also Read: 10 Symptoms of Cancer Usually Ignored by Men

How Does it Spread?

Monkeypox virus is caused when an infected animal bites a person or via coming face-to-face contact with a person already suffering from a virus.

This includes transmission of small droplets when a person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to another person. In rare cases, the monkeypox virus can be spread via sex.

Large lesions build-up due to the virus can also spread the infection after shedding. That is why patients are kept isolated for 14 days or up to 21 days depending upon the situation.

Treatment and Prevention Measures

monkeypox virus symptoms

via:gavithevaccinealliance

Though the monkeypox virus has only a 1-3 percent of fatality rate, health experts call it an infection of concern. This is so because the non-endemic countries are not having complete immunity to this new virus.

Furthermore, people ranging between 40 and 50 years will not get enough protection from vaccines for smallpox. Considering these factors, WHO has asked countries to be on the alert mode.

Another reason for this concern is the availability of safe treatment and vaccines for the monkeypox virus. Therefore, CDC has recommended a few measures to get yourself prevented from getting infected.

How to Prevent Youself from Monkeypox Virus?

  • Stay away from getting in contact with dead or sick animals
  • In case you get in touch with an infected person or animal, wash your hands with soap and get disinfectant
  • Avoid eating poultry food or cook the meat well before consuming
  • Those working in healthcare departments should wear PPE before dealing with infected patients

Keep these in mind and protect yourself from the monkeypox virus.

 

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