Know everything about Monkeypox disease, symptoms and treatment,
Monkeypox Disease and Treatment: In 2002, a New World monkey, a species of small monkeys found in Central and South America, was discovered to have contracted the same strain of pox that affects humans as variola. This new strain of pox was named Monkeypox because it is endemic to monkeys. This disease is similar in nature to Smallpox but does not cause the same level of infection. While human Smallpox has an almost 100% fatality rate, Monkeypox only has an infection rate of about 10%. That being said, this is a very rare disease that can be fatal if left untreated. If you’re interested in learning more about Monkeypox disease and how it’s treated, keep reading for everything you need to know about this disease and its treatment options.
Monkeypox Disease and Treatment
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is endemic to monkeys. It is caused by Orthopoxvirus, a type of poxvirus, the same virus that causes Smallpox in humans. It is considered endemic to the New World, which means it is native to South America and is not found in the rest of the world. In order to be infected with Monkeypox, you must either come into contact with a living or dead infected monkey or be exposed to the blood, other bodily fluids, or saliva of an infected monkey.
Monkeypox disease is very similar to smallpox in its treatment: It is treated with the same antiviral drugs (e.g., Smallpox vaccines), but does not require the same level of isolation as smallpox patients. In fact, most people who are infected with Monkeypox will never know it, since the symptoms are relatively mild and the illness often goes undetected.
What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
The symptoms of Monkeypox disease include general malaise, fever, headache, and rash. The rash can appear on different parts of the body and varies in appearance. It can have spots, bumps, or blisters, and it can appear in any pattern. The rash may also be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, particularly those in the armpits, groin, or neck. The symptoms generally appear between 10 and 14 days after the initial exposure to the virus, though they can present as early as 4 days or as late as 21 days after exposure.
The symptoms of Monkeypox disease are not severe, and most people who contract the virus experience only mild symptoms such as a rash, fever, and headache. However, as with all viral illnesses, there is a chance that someone who contracts Monkeypox will experience more severe symptoms. In rare cases, particularly among people with weakened immune systems, the virus can travel to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, eyes, and brain.
How is Monkeypox Treated?
Since Monkeypox disease is caused by a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, it is treated with antiviral drugs. Smallpox, which is caused by the same virus, can be treated with the same medications. While people who have a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms, such as blindness or death, those with a healthy immune system can be treated with antiviral medications and experience few complications. Most people who contract Monkeypox disease are quarantined at home and do not need to be treated in a hospital setting.
How to prevent contracting Monyepox?
The best way to prevent Monkeypox disease is to avoid contact with monkeys or any of their bodily fluids. If you are traveling to areas where Monkeypox is endemic, it is recommended that you use a face shield or other protective gear when handling monkeys. If you experience any of the symptoms described above, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Since it is difficult to identify the source of the infection, you will be quarantined until it is clear that you do not have Monkeypox. If you believe you have been exposed to Monkeypox, the best thing you can do is wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available. Stay home from work or school until you are cleared by a medical professional. JYNNEOS vaccination has been approved to prevent Monkeypox disease as well as smallpox. JYNNEOS vaccine is being used as the main vaccine in the United States during the current outbreak.
Final words on Monkeypox disease:
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is endemic to monkeys. It is caused by the same virus that causes Smallpox in humans. While it is very similar to smallpox in its treatment, it requires less isolation than smallpox patients. If you are traveling to areas where Monkeypox disease is endemic, it is recommended that you use a face shield or other protective gear when handling monkeys. If you experience any of the symptoms described above, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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