Monkeypox: What it is, symptoms and treatment

Indicator

• Symptoms
• Infection
• Treatment
• Prevention

Monkeypox or monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus, commonly found in ponds as a reservoir, a disease most common in Africa.  Although rare, monkeypox can infect humans and cause symptoms such as chills, muscle and back pain, excessive fatigue and blisters and skin rashes.

The first case of monkeypox was identified in 1958 in a group of monkeys that gave birth to the disease, although rats are believed to be the main source of the virus.  However, the first human case was detected in 1970.

It is important that in the presence of monkeypox-related signs and symptoms, the person goes to the hospital for proper monitoring and prevents infection among other people, although this is rare.

Symptoms of monkeypox

The first symptoms of monkeypox usually occur within 5 to 21 days of exposure to the virus, the main ones being:

• Blisters and sores on the skin;
• Fever;
• Headaches;
• Muscle pain;
• Excessive fatigue,
• Back pain.

Symptoms of monkeypox usually disappear within 14 to 21 days, without the need for any specific treatment.

How the infection occurs

Monkeypox is transmitted primarily from animals to humans, through the bite of infected rats, by eating less cooked meat from infected animals, and / or by exposure or contact with the blood of infected animals.

However, despite being more difficult, it is also possible that such smallpox can spread from person to person through coughing or speech-induced respiratory discharge, for example, but the virus needs to be transmitted to humans for a long time.

Infections can also be caused by direct contact with blisters and sores secreted by the monkeypox virus or by contact with contaminants.  The presence of genital warts also seems to increase the risk of person-to-person transmission of the disease.

How the treatment is performed

Monkeypox usually does not require a specific treatment, as the symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks.  However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of medication to relieve the symptoms more quickly.

It is important that in the presence of signs and symptoms of monkeypox, the person can go to the hospital for observation and prevent the infection from spreading, although this is rare.

Also, in some cases, the use of approved drugs for the treatment of "common" smallpox, such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir, may be indicated.  However, since these drugs have not been tested in sick individuals, the use of these drugs is indicated only when seen in several cases, served to prevent and control the spread of the disease.

How to prevent

It is important to avoid contact or eating wild animals to prevent monkeypox, as they can become infected, especially rats.

In addition, although the virus is rare from person to person, it is advisable to avoid contact with infected people as well as to avoid blisters or clothing or objects.  For personal use.  It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and periodically disinfect yourself, as well as to eat only well-cooked meat.

There is also the smallpox vaccine, which prevents the disease from getting worse and can be given before or after exposure to the virus.  However, this vaccine is only indicated for those who live in high-risk areas, health professionals who work directly with the virus, or in cases of bioterrorism.