Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar in appearance to smallpox. It is most common in West Africa, Central and South America, and southern Asia. In the Americas, there have been sporadic cases reported from several states since the 1990s. It was recently confirmed to have broken out in northern Nigeria during 2017. Monkeypox can cause serious illness in humans if not treated quickly with antiviral medications.
The disease has a vaccine and a treatment but it’s important to protect yourself against it by practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposure to possible carriers of the virus.
If you live or work in an area where monkeypox is common, you are at greater risk of getting the infection than someone who does not spend as much time there. When you contract monkeypox, it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear (some people may not develop visible symptoms until later).
Symptoms usually last about three months but some people may experience itchy spots or blisters that break open again after a few days or weeks. Read on to learn more about this virus and how you can protect yourself from contracting it.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar in appearance to smallpox. It is most common in West Africa, Central and South America, and southern Asia. In the Americas, there have been sporadic cases reported from several states since the 1990s. It was recently confirmed to have broken out in northern Nigeria during 2017. Monkeypox can cause serious illness in humans if not treated quickly with antiviral medications. The disease has a vaccine and treatment but it’s important to protect yourself against it by practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposure to possible carriers of the virus.
How monkeypox spreads
Monkeypox is transmitted by blood, secretions, and respiratory droplets. The virus can be spread to humans through direct contact with an infected animal or through handling of an infected animal’s bodily fluids. You may also be exposed to the virus if you’re in close proximity to someone who has been exposed to the virus.
If you are traveling or living abroad, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself: Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with animals that might carry the disease . If you accidentally come into contact with an animal that has monkeypox, immediately take precautions for avoiding infection and dispose of any potential contaminated clothing or gear. If you are bitten by an animal suspected of having monkeypox, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and immediately seek medical attention .
Signs and symptoms of Monkeypox
The most common sign of monkeypox is a fever that lasts for more than one week. Other symptoms include headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and red spots on your skin. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have contracted the virus because it can lead to pneumonia or other more serious diseases.
Treatment for Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare virus that can cause an extremely painful illness. It’s most common in West Africa, Central and South America, and southern Asia. In the Americas, there have been sporadic cases reported from several states since the 1990s. Monkeypox is a vaccine-preventable disease, and it can be treated successfully with antiviral medications.
When you’re diagnosed with monkeypox, you need to get prompt medical attention to prevent further spread of the virus. The treatment for monkeypox includes taking antiviral medication(s) as directed by your doctor. Some people may require hospitalization for supportive care; this depends on which type of antivirals are prescribed. Antiviral medications for monkeypox typically take about four weeks to start working fully.
Prevention tips for Monkeypox
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, wash your hands, avoid contact with animal and human feces and urine, and wear disposable gloves during any cleanup or tasks that may cause exposure. You can also take other precautions such as avoiding areas where there are monkeys and avoiding contact with sick people. To avoid contracting monkeypox, you should seek medical attention if you think you might have been exposed to the virus.
Conclusion Monkeypox
Monkeypox is an acute, contagious disease that affects both humans and non-human primates. It is caused by a virus that is similar to smallpox and can spread from person to person through contact with an infected animal’s excretions. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is usually self-limited, but in some cases can be fatal.
