Monkeypox, a rare and less severe relative of smallpox, is currently making headlines. According to the World Health Organization, more than 250 cases have been reported in approximately 16 countries. This is a viral disease spread by close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
Monkeypox, usually found near tropical rainforests in central and west Africa, has slowly increased its reach over the last few decades. Still, most cases outside of Africa have been historically linked to international travel or imported animals. However, some of the recent cases in the UK are people with no known travel or exposures – so while health officials say there is no cause for alarm, they do want people to be aware of the virus and its symptoms.
Initial Symptoms
Initial symptoms usually begin within a week to two weeks of infection and are typically flu-like at first. Think fatigue, headache, fever, and chills. As with other infections, you might also experience swelling in the lymph nodes. More distinct is the development of a widespread painful rash on the face and body – including inside the mouth, on genital areas, and on the palms of the hands and feet. The individual fluid filled bumps, or lesions, are the poxes which scab over and fall off as the rash heals.
How is monkeypox spread?
Experts say that close contact with an infected individual is required to contract the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is spread by exposure to broken skin, mucous membranes, respiratory droplets, and infected bodily fluids. Some experts cited by news reports suggest that dust from healed scabs, and even contaminated bed linens might also be capable of spreading the virus. This puts intimate partners, healthcare workers, and household members of actively infected people at greater risk.
However, most household disinfectants can kill the virus, so isolation and hygiene can help prevent infection. Because of spread through prolonged physical and face-to face contact, risk of contracting monkeypox is moderate for people with multiple sexual partners and low for the general population.
Monkeypox Treatment
There are no specific drugs on the market to treat the symptoms of monkeypox. However, there are antivirals for smallpox and a vaccine is available that can prevent monkeypox. While painful and potentially scarring, monkeypox is fortunately both less deadly and less infectious than smallpox.
Seek medical support if you suspect you might be infected, both to help track this virus and for the most up-to-date informationand treatment advice.