ABOUT MONKEYPOX

What is monkeypox?
A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Massachusetts — the first case of the rare virus identified in the United States in 2022. Up to now, more than 80 cases have been confirmed in Europe, US, Canada, Australia and Isreal. Monkeypox originates in animals but in rare cases can jump to humans. What exactly is monkeypox and its symptoms?

Origins
Monkeypox was discovered in a colony of monkeys in 1958 and its first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic.

Symptoms
The symptoms of monkeypox in humans can be similar to the symptoms of smallpox, but the main difference is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell, the CDC says.

The time from infection to showing symptoms, for monkeypox is usually 7 to 14 days. It starts with fever, headache, muscle aches and exhaustion and usually within one to three days, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.

The lesions progress, become filled with a fluid, then scab and fall off. Monkeypox usually lasts for two to four weeks. In Africa, the disease causes death in as many as 1 in 10 people.

Prevention and treatment
There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox but there are vaccines, according to the CDC. Outbreaks can be controlled.

Experts believe monkeypox spreads between people via respiratory droplets or by direct contact with lesion material. Patients who do not require hospitalization should still isolate at home and use protective measures like masks. They should also avoid pets.

References:
1. Kane,C. 20 May 2022. CBS NEWS. https://news.yahoo.com/monkeypox-152506986.html
2. BBC News. 23 May 2022. World faces big challenges over Covid, monkeypox and wars – WHO. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-61546199