What is Monkeypox?

The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus, similar to smallpox which was eradicated in the 1980s. It is not as transmissible or fatal as smallpox. It occurs mostly in parts of central and west Africa and it is the strain from west Africa which is now circulating across the world. 


Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox

 Like I said they are similar to smallpox. This includes fever, headache, muscle ache, swellings, back pain, and lack of energy.

Once the fever breaks, a rash can develop often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms and soles of the feet. The rash can be achy or painful. The infection usually lasts between 14 and 21 days.


How does Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox can spread through intimate contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or through the eyes the nose, and the mouth. It can also spread by contact with infected animals like monkeys, rats, and squirrels or by virus-contaminated objects like bedding and clothing.


How dangerous is Monkeypox?

Most cases of the virus are mild, they sometimes resemble chickenpox and clear up on their own within a few weeks, in some cases however it can be more severe and It has been linked to deaths in West Africa.


Are Gay Men at Greater Risk?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says, 98% of the cases outside the countries in Africa where the virus is endemic, have been reported in gay men. Hence, they must consider reducing the number of new sexual partners. The UK health agency has also said that a notable proportion of recent cases in the UK and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.


How to Prevent Monkeypox?

Outbreaks can be controlled by infection prevention. Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be 85 percent effective against monkeypox. Vaccination is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for high-risk groups. it has been cautioned that it takes several weeks after getting the second dose of the vaccine to be fully protected, so, people must take other precautions, and until that point, anti-viral drugs may also help. 

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. The CDC advises people to exercise caution in situations where they cannot maintain some sense of personal space. The risk goes up in places like crowded areas and clubs, potentially contaminated items like bedding and clothes should be kept separate until you have time to do your laundry.


What To Do if You Experience Symptoms? 

In case you are actively experiencing symptoms or if you have come in contact with a potential carrier, the first step is to isolate yourself and prevent the spread and then reach out to a healthcare provider who will determine if you should be tested. 

The WHO advises people to isolate themselves for three weeks from the time they believe they may have been exposed, and in case you experience all symptoms, here are some tips, avoid scratching your skin, keep the skin dry and uncovered, clean the skin with sterilized water or antiseptics, take a warm bath with baking soda or salts for lesions on the body, for lesions in the mouth use salt water rinse.


For now, monkeypox has been declared a global emergency by the WHO. Health experts say it is a significant act, they say it is a rallying cry for countries to take the virus seriously and not to be callous in their approach.