Monkeypox: All you need to know about it

Image credit: Wikipedia

What is Monkeypox?

The 'Monkeypox' is a rare viral disease that can be fatal in humans. Monkeypox appears as a rash on the skin, which is similar to chickenpox, but larger. The disease spreads quickly therefore it is important to report all cases to the hospital.




How Does One Contract Monkeypox?

One can contract monkeypox virus by :

Image credit: Target Health Global

• Eating poorly cooked meat of an infected monkey or bushmeat
• Bites, scratches or contact with an infected animal eg. prairie dogs, monkeys, rats, squirrels, or rabbits.

• Contact with blood, feces, saliva , urine or semen of an infected person
• Breathing in air (contaminated with germs) after an infected person has sneezed or coughed
• Contact with beddings, handkerchiefs or materials used by infected persons.                                                                                                                                                                        

How do I Know If Someone Has Monkeypox?
The first symptom is usually fever. This is followed by a skin rash containing pus or blisters which dry up and fall off in days. The rash mimics chicken pox but is much larger.

Other symptoms are nonspecific and include:

• Swelling in the neck,ampit or groin
• Tiredness 
• Headache
• Backaches
• Sorethroat
• Cough
• Muscle aches                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

What do I do if I think I have Monkeypox?

• Do not hide your illness, report to a hospital. 
• Avoid people as much as possible. Limit movement to a room and anyone who brings in food and drinks to you must use a face mask and gloves.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.These help boost your immunity and help you fight the virus
• Drink a lot of water. This helps reduce dehydration and makes you stronger
• Get a lot of rest.This will help you fight off the virus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

How do I prevent Monkeypox?

Image credit: Infection Control for Healthcare Workers

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water or a hand sanitiser.                   
• Cook meat properly before eating               
• Avoid eating bushmeat and suya (beef jerky/ kebab).
• Wear a facemask and gloves if attending to someone you suspect has the virus or if you are handling body fluids of patients.
• Wear personal protective equipment and wash your hands regularly if you work in a zoo, laboratory (working on animals for experiments) or are a veterinarian.