WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONKEYPOX VIRUS

Monkeypox virus 

Monkeypox​ was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ​monkeypox​. ​The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox. To date, over 400 cases have been investigated​

 ​WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?​
​Monkeypox virus​ is a zoonotic (animal) viral disease while ​Monkeypox​ is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. ​The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.​ In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease.

CAUSES OF MONKEYPOX​
Monkeypox is usually transmitted to humans from;
🌚 Contact with animals that are infected with the virus; Monkeys, Rats, Rabbits
🌚 Through contact from someone infected with the virus
🌚Through contact with infected animal’s blood
🌚 Through a bite from infected animal
🌚 It can also be contacted when you share clothing and other personal items with infected individual

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The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days depending on how good is your immunity​

 ​SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MONKEYPOX​
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.
Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.
​The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell​ (lymphadenopath
y) ​while smallpox does not​

The illness begins with:
Fever 

Headache

Muscle aches
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion

​Within 1 to 3 days​ (sometimes longer) ​after the appearance of fever, you may develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body​

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:
• Macules (a spot on the skin)
• Papules (a small inflamed irritated spot on the skin)
• Vesicles (a blister formed beneath the skin containing fluid)
• Pustules (a small accumulation of pus underneath the skin)
• Scabs (a small hard coating on the skin)

TREATMENT FOR MONKEYPOX​
1. At this time, there are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection, but monkeypox outbreaks can be controlled

2. Monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox

3. Focus is usually aim at managing the presenting signs and symptoms while the virus undergoes it cycle. Medications such as painkillers are given to take care of pain and drug to help regulate the body temperature because of fever and replacement of loss fluids

4. For those with good immune system symptoms can disappear without treatment.

PREVENTION OF MONKEYPOX 

• Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa.

• There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus:

• Persons who have had close or intimate contact with individuals or animals confirmed to have monkeypox should also be vaccinated.

• The people who have been infected can be vaccinated up to 14 days after exposure.

• Avoid contact with animals that could harbour the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).

• Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal or persons with the virus

• Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.

• Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients

• Most importantly live a healthy life and believe in God to protect you.

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PROGNOSIS​
The prognosis is Good