Monkeypox: What is it, and how can we prevent the spread?

When the entire world was just worrying about the Covid-19 virus, another virus erupted, Monkeypox, leaving people in a dilemma and panic.
People know nothing about this disease; all they are doing is panicking and going after some myths.
And it is not even their fault. After seeing what happened after the spread of the coronavirus, anyone would be worried.

Hence, to clarify people’s myths regarding this virus, we have brought this post for you. Here you will find a detailed description of this virus, its symptoms, and even prevention. 

So, keep reading further to know more about the Monkeypox virus.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a transferable disease with its roots in the same group as smallpox. It is a zoonotic disease. Zoonotic disease means that this virus can spread from animals to humans. 

It is not a new disease; Scientists first found this disease in 1958. However, when a group of monkeys was being sent to Denmark from Singapore for research, the researchers fell ill.

Can only Monkeys cause Monkeypox?

Not only monkeys but other animals like dogs and rats can cause Monkeypox too. The only reason it is called Monkeypox is that the first ever case of this disease was by Monkeys.

Where is Monkeypox prevalent?

Monkeypox is prevalent mainly in Central and West Africa, but this year in May, we can see that Monkeypox is prevailing in places outside of Africa. However, the mortality rate of Monkeypox is milder than smallpox.

Symptoms of Monkeypox-

The patient will not get sick immediately after catching Monkeypox. It will take around 1-2 weeks to get sick; the symptoms are as follows;

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Exhaustion
  • Body aches
  • Skin rashes
  • Backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes

In Monkeypox, a rash usually appears on the patient’s face within five days of the first symptom. Then, gradually, this rash spreads to other parts of the body as well. The rash further turns into a blister containing some kind of fluid. Later on, these blisters dry out and fall off.

Prevention of Monkeypox

  • Avoid eating animal products during the peak of the virus. In case you have to eat non-veg products, wash them thoroughly.
  • Cook the animal and meat products on a high flame or temperature.
  • Wash your hands properly with anti-bacterial soap whenever you come from outside. Also, wash your hands with lukewarm water whenever you come in contact with an animal.
  • Avoid coming in contact with sick or dead animals.
  • Do not go across infected people.
  • If you need to go near them, wear a PPE kit. Take a bath when you come back with warm water and use sanitizers.

Treatment of Monkeypox-

Usually, people get well within a few weeks of the infection.
People with infections must isolate themselves to prevent others from catching the disease.
People usually cure staying at home, and there is no treatment available for Monkeypox as of now.

But the smallpox vaccine is being effective in treating Monkeypox. 

If the patient’s fragile immune system, then Monkeypox might have a more profound impact on that person. In such cases, the patient might be admitted to a hospital and treated accordingly. The person is also given some antiviral drugs for treatment.

That is all about Monkeypox. But, of course, it has been prevalent for a long time. It is just that it is coming outside of Africa in such high numbers for the first time. 
But it is not a severe disease like smallpox or other viruses. Therefore, the fatality rate is not high for this disease. 
So, do not panic, stay calm, and take all the precautions, and nothing will happen!

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