A Closer Look at its Origin and Transmission
In recent years, several infectious diseases have garnered global attention due to their potential to cause outbreaks and public health emergencies. One such disease is monkeypox, a viral infection that shares similarities with smallpox but has distinct characteristics. The measures taken to control its spread can better comprehend its impact on public health and the measures necessary to prevent its further spread.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that belongs to the family Poxviridae, genus Orthopoxviral. It was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease .The disease later emerged in humans in 1970. leading to sporadic cases and occasional outbreaks in Central and West African countries, including Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and others.
Monkeypox has also been reported outside of Africa. Including the United States, where limited human-to-human transmission has occurred.
Source of infection:
- The primary source of monkeypox infection in humans is thought to be wild animals, particularly rodents and primates, which serve as reservoirs for the virus.
- The virus can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, such as bites, scratches, or handling their body fluids or tissues.
- Person-to-person transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory droplets, lesions, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms may vary from person to person. General symptoms experienced by most patients are:
- Fever: Monkeypox often begins with a high fever. usually above 101°F (38.3°C).
- Rash: A characteristic rash develops, starting as small, raised bumps on the skin. These bumps progress to fluid-filled blisters, which later form a crust and scab over. The rash is widespread, affecting the face, trunk, and extremities.
- Fatigue
- Headache: usually commonly experienced
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged and tender lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) are frequently observed particularly near the rash.
- Chills and sweats: experienced in early stages of illness
- Back pain
It’s important to note that these symptoms are general and can overlap with other infectious diseases. If you suspect you have monkeypox or have been exposed to the virus. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Differentiating monkeypox from other similar diseases, such as smallpox and chickenpox, can be challenging.
Laboratory testing
It is required to confirm the diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation from patient samples, such as blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions, are commonly used for identification. Serologic tests to detect specific antibodies against the monkeypox virus can also be employed.
Strategies for Staying Safe
The prevention and control of monkeypox rely on various public health measures. These include:
- Surveillance: By prompt detection, by monitoring and reporting suspected cases.
- Isolation and Infection Control: Infected individuals should be isolated. Proper infection control, hand hygiene use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials reduce the risk of transmission in healthcare settings.
- Vaccination: Vaccination against smallpox, confer partial protection against monkeypox.
- Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among the general public, healthcare workers, and communities living in high-risk areas is crucial. Educational campaigns can focus on promoting hygiene practices, emphasizing the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals and adopting appropriate measures when handling.