Unraveling the Mystery: How Does a Person Get Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus and was first identified in 1958 in monkeys. The virus is closely related to the human smallpox virus and is transmitted to humans from animals, primarily rodents and primates. The disease is most commonly found in Central and West African countries like Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.
Transmission of Monkeypox
Transmission of monkeypox can occur in several ways, including:
Direct Contact with Infected Animals
Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, blood, or even its meat. Some of the animals that carry the virus include rodents like squirrels, rats, and mice, as well as primates like monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Human-to-Human Contact
The virus can also be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, and skin lesions of an infected person or through aerosol transmission during close face-to-face contact with an infected person.
Contaminated Objects and Surfaces
Monkeypox can also be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus. These may include bedding, clothing, towels, or even equipment used to care for infected patients. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to five days.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox but are generally less severe. The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a few days, a rash usually develops, starting on the face and chest and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses to form fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over and fall off, leaving scars. In some cases, severe complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis can develop, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention of Monkeypox
There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox, and prevention is the best approach. Some of the ways to prevent the spread of monkeypox include:
Preventing Contact with Infected Animals
Avoiding contact with infected animals, including rodents and primates.
Wearing Protective Clothing
People who handle animals, animal products, or people with monkeypox should wear gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, especially during animal slaughter or in the laboratory.
Isolation and Quarantine
Isolating and quarantining infected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Vaccination
Although there is no specific vaccine developed for monkeypox, the smallpox vaccine has been found to offer some degree of protection against monkeypox.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is primarily transmitted to humans from animals, primarily rodents and primates. The disease is most commonly found in Central and West African countries like Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria. Although there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, prevention is the best approach. Avoiding contact with infected animals, wearing protective clothing, isolating infected individuals, and vaccination against smallpox have been found to offer some degree of protection against monkeypox.
