Monkey Pox

Monkey Pox:
Monkey pox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkey pox virus. belongs to same family of viruses as variola virus, responsible for causing smallpox. Due to same family Monkey pox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkey pox is rarely fatal. Monkey pox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkey pox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkey pox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. The first human case of monkey pox was recorded in 1970.

Signs and Symptoms of monkey pox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

How it Spreads:
Monkey pox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It’s also possible for people to get monkey pox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkey pox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkey pox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Prevention Steps:
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkey pox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkey pox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkey pox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkey pox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkey pox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkey pox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you are sick with monkey pox:

• Isolate at home
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.

Vaccination:

• People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkey pox.
• People who may have been exposed to monkey pox, such as:
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox
• People whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as:
• Laboratory workers who perform testing for orthopoxviruses.
• Laboratory workers who handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses.
• Some designated healthcare or public health workers.

CREDIT: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.