In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the number of monkeypox cases has increased rapidly, with a recent study identifying nearly four thousand suspected cases. If the situation continues to worsen, this disease may become more rapidly spread, becoming a global health threat. However, it is still possible for monkeypox to evolve, making it even more transmissible and dangerous to humans.
Symptoms
If you suspect a loved one is infected with the monkeypox virus, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for monkeypox is generally symptomatic, but medical intervention may be necessary for some cases. Although there is no proven cure, doctors can offer supportive care, such as antiretroviral drugs. Antiviral drugs are very effective against monkeypox, and have even been tested in experimental infections.
Symptoms of monkeypox include a rash resembling flu. It starts on the face, and within a week or two, the affected person may experience a fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash starts as flat red bumps, and eventually transforms into swollen, fluid-filled blisters. These crust over and fall off. Monkeypox is spread through contact with an infected person, animal, or insect. People can get monkeypox through broken skin, and animal-to-human transmission is often via contact with animal fluids.
Diagnosis
Although the clinical picture of monkeypox is similar to chickenpox and smallpox, definitive diagnosis is crucial to controlling this disease and identifying potential bioterrorist vectors. Although both types produce similar skin lesions, the parapoxviruses are distinct enough to be diagnosed by electron microscopy. Public health protective measures include immediate ring vaccination and quarantine. Monkeypox has no cure.
In people who present with the rash and other symptoms associated with monkeypox, a high index of suspicion is warranted. Additionally, a patient with an unexplained rash may have contacted an infected person or travel to an infected area within a month of the rash’ emergence. Furthermore, if the patient has had sexual intercourse with another person who has a similar rash, then the physician should consider monkeypox as a diagnosis.
Clinical features of monkeypox
Clinical features of monkeypox include a disseminated rash, typically of the arms, legs, and trunk. There are also characteristic facial lesions and genital ulcers. Some patients may also experience a fever or other underlying infection. The case fatality rate for monkeypox is between four and eleven percent, depending on the type of rash. The rash can be painful or even haemorrhagic, and is accompanied by fever, malaise, and muscle aches.
Treatment
Before recently, cases of monkeypox in humans outside of Africa were rare. Only seven cases occurred in Britain over the past few years, but the seven cases offered some clues about the most appropriate treatment for the disease. However, more than 100 new cases have been reported in Europe and North America this month, making treatment of monkeypox more important than ever. In this article, we will discuss what to do in case of a monkeypox outbreak.
In humans, most cases have resulted from exposure to infected prairie dogs. Scientists suspect an exotic mammal may have spread monkeypox to these animals. In response to this possibility, the U.S. government has imposed an embargo on six genera of African rodents. Animals exposed to infected aerosols developed symptoms six to seven days later. CDC recommends quarantining affected animals for at least a month after exposure.
Prevention
The virus can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected monkeys, bats, rodents, and dust. As an emerging disease, it is important to know more about its presentation and prevent infection. This article outlines some of the steps to take. Also, you should wear protective clothing whenever possible. Infected monkeys can spread the virus to humans and animals, so practicing good hygiene will help prevent the disease.
Final Words:
The virus is carried by many species, including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, and Gambian pouched rats. It is not endemic to humans, but it is known to infect certain non-human primates. Although the disease is rare, the underlying factors are unclear. Prevention is the best defense against this devastating disease here.