The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO have declared an outbreak of Monkeypox in the United States an extraordinary event and have officially declared it a global health emergency.
What is Monkeypox? How can you protect yourself from this potentially deadly virus? And what does the CDC recommend you do if you believe you have contracted it? Keep reading to find out more about the history of this disease, how it spreads, and what you can do to avoid becoming infected.
What is Monkeypox?
It is a rare viral infection that is similar to smallpox. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys, and the first human case was reported in 1970.
The virus is usually found in Africa, but there have been recent outbreaks in other parts of the world, including the United States. In May 2018, the World Health Organization declared Monkeypox a global health emergency.
The reasons for this are varied; for example, it has an easy-to-spread mode of transmission, it’s affecting more countries than before, and people who catch it are at risk for more serious complications than with smallpox.
There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Anyone exposed should wash their hands frequently to lower the chance of passing on the virus through touch.
How Can I Tell If I Have Monkeypox?
Early symptoms of it include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A few days after the fever begins, the patient develops a rash.
The rash starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The bumps eventually fill with pus and turn into scabs. Symptoms usually last two to four weeks.
In severe cases, it can be fatal. A person who has contact with an infected animal or has been bitten by an infected animal should go to the hospital immediately for treatment.
Anyone in close contact with someone who is sick from Monkeypox should avoid contact until it is clear that they have not been infected themselves.
They should also be aware that some people are carriers of the virus but do not show any symptoms and can still transmit it. It is important to monitor those people closely if they do not seek medical attention right away.
What Are The Symptoms Of Monkeypox?
It is a rare viral infection that is similar to smallpox. The symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. The incubation period for Monkeypox is usually 7-14 days.
Is There Treatment For Monkeypox?
There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox. However, the virus usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. In the meantime, people with Monkeypox can take measures to relieve their symptoms.
These include taking pain relievers, getting plenty of rest, and drinking fluids. People with severe Monkeypox may need to be hospitalized.
There is no vaccine for Monkeypox, but there is one for smallpox, which is closely related to Monkeypox. The smallpox vaccine is not currently available in the United States.
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Can I Catch Monkeypox From People Who Have It?
Yes. This virus spread through contact with infected animals, including monkeys, apes, and squirrels. It can also be spread through contact with infected people, including close personal contact (such as touching or shaking hands) or contact with infected body fluids (such as blood, saliva, or mucus).
In rare cases, it has been spread through the air (such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes), but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How Long Does It Take To Get Better?
Most people with Monkeypox recover within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people may develop severe symptoms, which can be fatal.
The time from when a person is exposed to the virus until they develop symptoms is usually between 5 and 21 days but can be as short as 2 days or as long as 42 days.
There is no specific treatment for It, but there are certain things that can be done to help relieve symptoms and make the person more comfortable.
Where is Monkeypox Found?
This is found in Central and West Africa. The majority of cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, there have been outbreaks in other countries, including Nigeria, Sudan, and South Sudan.
The risk of its transmission is low in developed countries like the United States, but travelers to affected areas should take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.
Monkeypox Cases in Pakistan
No Monkeypox case reported so far in Pakistan: Health Ministry. Ministry of National Health Services says not a single case of it has been reported so far in Pakistan
Conclusion
Monkeypox virus is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The virus is spread through contact with infected animals, humans, or objects contaminated with the virus. It is most commonly found in Africa, but cases have been reported in other parts of the world, including the United States.
The World Health Organization has declared it a global health emergency due to the recent increase in cases. There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox, but early diagnosis and supportive care can improve outcomes.
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