Monkeypox symptoms, treatment and control
Monkeypox is a viral infection that has in the past been spotted in West and Central Africa. In this article we will take you through monkeypox symptoms, treatment and control.
The latest outbreak of monkeypox has been reported in Tanzania. Five people have succumbed to the disease.
Spreading of the disease
Monkeypox spreads by close contact and respiratory droplets according to a research that was done in UK. However, sexual transmission via contact of fluids has been considered as a possible route. According to WHO more research needs to be done to better understand this risk.
In the latest cases in the current outbreak young men have been affected the most. However, the virus can spread to anyone.
Monkeypox symptoms
The disease present itself like flu at initial stages. The symptoms include; fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes and aching muscles.
After the early symptoms, a rash can develop. This usually begins on the face and then spreads to the other parts of the body. Common parts where rash develop are the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The disease is mild and lasts for 2-3 weeks. In some cases however, monkeypox can cause death. According to the WHO, the fatality rate is 3% to 6%.
Monkeypox tends to cause more serious disease in people with low immunity and children.
A top European health official warns that cases of the rare monkeypox virus could accelerate in the coming months.
There are no specific drugs currently for treatment of monkeypox. The symptoms are treated as They appear.
However, antivirals like cidofovir and brincidofovir have been proven to be effective against poxviruses in animals and may be effective also against monkeypox infections in humans.
Monkeypox control
According to WHO, the transmission usually happens due to close contact with infected animals such as rodents and monkeys and is limited between people. People should avoid contact with sick animals.
Monkeypox can be controlled by monitoring trends of the infectious diseases via information exchange from the community level and raising awareness on prevention measures, including personal hygiene and general cleanliness.
More information on monkeypox symptoms, treatment and control will be availed as soon as we receive.