“Understanding Monkeypox: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment Options"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of monkeypox cases from 110 member states across all six WHO regions since January 1st, 2022. As of March 5th, 2023, a total of 86,309 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1,087 probable cases have been reported, including 107 deaths.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that primarily affects animals, but it can be transmitted to humans. The disease was first discovered in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1958 and was later identified in humans in 1970. Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, but it is less severe and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. 

The natural reservoir of the virus is unknown-various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are susceptible. Following the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccination worldwide, pox steadily emerged in central, east, and West Africa. A global outbreak occurred in 2022–2023. However, it can cause serious complications in some cases, especially in people with weak immune systems.

✰ Symptoms Of Monkeypox Disease 

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of other viral diseases and usually appear within  5-21 days after exposure to the virus. Below are some of the most common symptoms an infected person will experience;

✐ swollen lymph  nodes 

✐Chills

✐Fiver

✐Skin rash

✐Headache

✐ Backache

Note: The rash typically begins on the face and then spread to the trunk and limbs. The rash starts as small, flat, red spots that eventually turn into raised bumps filled with fluid. The bumps then become crusty and scab over before falling off.

✰ Transmission Of Monkeypox

The transmission of monkeypox diseases is grouped into two. The Person-To-Person transmission and Animal to person transmission. Now let's examine each transmission process in detail;

✐ Person-To-Person Transmission 

Person-to-person transmission of monkeypox also known as Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals; this includes contact which is 

º Face-to-face (talking or breathing)

º Skin-to-skin (touching or vaginal/anal sex) 

ºMouth-to-mouth (kissing) 

º Mouth-to-skin contact (oral sex or kissing the skin) respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact

✐Animal To Human 

Animal-to-human transmission of pox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals. The extent of viral circulation in animal populations is not entirely known and further studies are underway.

Note: The virus then enters the body through broken skin, and mucosal surfaces (e g oral, pharyngeal, ocular, genital, anorectal). Also Mpox can spread to other members of the household and sex partners. People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk.

✰ Prevention Of Monkeypox Disease 

Monkeypox disease prevention is in two effective ways. You can prevent yourself from getting the disease or prevent others when you are already affected by the virus. 

Let's start by exploring how you can prevent yourself from the disease. These include:

✐ Stay home and in your room if possible 

✐ Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores 

✐Keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else) 

✐Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently 

✐ Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth 

✐ Take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores 

✐ Take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen

Already infected person still needs prevention tips to minimize the spread of the disease, and below are some crucial measures on how to prevent others;

✐ wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals

✐ pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body, and cause sores to become infected; or

✐ shave areas with sores until scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body).

Individuals with Mpox should stay isolated at home or in a hospital if necessary during the entire infectious period. Covering the lesions and wearing a medical mask can minimize the spread of the disease. Using condoms can reduce the risk of contracting pox during sexual activities but cannot prevent the spread through skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact.

✰ Treatment Of Monkeypox Diseases

The main aim of treating Mpox is to manage the rash, alleviate pain, and prevent complications. Timely and supportive care is crucial in managing symptoms and preventing further issues 

Getting a mpox vaccine can prevent infection. The vaccine should be administered within four days of contact with someone who has mpox or up to 14 days after contact if there are no symptoms. It's important for you to boost your immune system because people with weak immune systems suffer more than those with strong immune systems.

 In conclusion, Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that can cause serious complications. Although cases outside of Africa are infrequent, it is still important to take precautions to protect oneself from this disease. By following these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of the virus and avoid infection. If you have any concerns about monkeypox, seek advice from your healthcare provider or local public health department

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