The potential for “very worrying” spread prompted the World Health Organization to declare an outbreak. Mpox as an international emergency for the second time in two years. The decision comes as cases of the disease surge, with more than 500 confirmed deaths, in more than a dozen African countries this week. Learn what monkeypox is and what precautions you should take.
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which can be contracted through contact with infected people and animals, as well as contaminated objects.
What are the symptoms?
According to the WHO, the most common symptoms of the disease are a skin rash or mucous membrane lesions that can last from two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. People with more fragile immune systems may experience symptoms for longer.
Most people make a full recovery, but some experience more serious symptoms. Complications include: pneumonia, an infection of the cornea with loss of vision; pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea; sepsis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), heart (myocarditis), rectum (proctitis), genitals (balanitis), or urinary tract (urethritis); or death.
How is it transmitted?
The virus then enters the body through broken skin (due to rash), mucous membrane surfaces (e.g. mouth, throat, eyes, genitals, anorectal area) or through the respiratory tract. Sexual relations and even kissing can be a form of transmission.
As for the transmission of the virus by animals, several studies are ongoing. It is known that when an infected animal bites or scratches a person, it can also transmit the disease.
Smallpox can also be spread through contact with contaminated items such as clothing or bed sheets, through injuries caused by sharp objects in health care settings, or in places such as tattoo studios.
How to make a diagnosis?
Care must be taken not to confuse monkeypox with diseases that can cause similar symptoms. It is important to differentiate monkeypox from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmitted infections, and drug-related allergies. Therefore, testing is necessary to prevent further spread.
The best samples for diagnosis are taken directly from the rash – skin, fluid or scabs.
What is the treatment?
According to the WHO, treatment for monkeypox includes treating the rash, controlling pain, and preventing complications. Early and supportive care is important to manage symptoms and prevent further problems.
There are two options for treating wounds: using salt water compresses and taking hot baths with baking soda added.
Vaccine against Mpox may help prevent infection and should be given within four days of exposure to a person with smallpox (or within 14 days if there are no symptoms).
Personal care?
If you are diagnosed with the disease, you should avoid leaving the house and, if possible, stay in your room without touching common objects. Hands should be washed frequently and you should not scratch the wounds so as not to delay the healing process.
When alone, keep your skin dry and uncovered, and when in contact with others, wear a mask and cover wounds.
Author: Sara Reis Teixeira
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.