Mpox virus (formerly known as Monkeypox) was first discovered in 1958 when monkeys transported from Singapore to a Danish research facility became ill. The First confirmed human case occurred in 1970 .The virus was discover in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo suspected of having smallpox.
Monkeypox is a scarce smallpox-like disease that mostly affects rainforest countries in central and western Africa. Monkeypox can transmit to humans from an infected animal via a bite or direct engagement with the animal’s lesions or bodily fluids. The disease could also be spread from person to person, though it is far less contagious than smallpox. The virus spread through the respiratory secretions during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact in humans. Furthermore, monkeypox can transmit through direct contact through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or virus-contaminated objects such as bed sheets, clothes, and shoes.
Symptoms
The first symptoms typically appear between 5 and 21 days. The Initial symptoms include the following;
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Backache
- Chills,
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches
A rash may also appear, changing and progressing through various stages before forming a scab that eventually falls off. Monkeypox usually runs its course in two to four weeks. If exposed to monkeypox, the provider will keep the patient under observation for 21 days.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for monkeypox. The smallpox vaccine had recorded to lessen the risk of monkeypox in previously vaccinated Africans.
However, the goal of monkeypox treatment is to ease the symptoms. Most people recover in 2 to 4 weeks if the illness is mild. The patient must be quarantined in the hospital or at home to prevent the infection from spreading and to treat the symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention relies on reducing human contact with infected animals and limiting people’s transmission. You can avoid the monkeypox virus by doing the following:
- Staying away from infected animals.
- Avoid touching contaminated bedding and other components.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Cooking all foods containing animal meat or parts thoroughly.
- Preventing contact with people who may have the virus.
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