While the world is still reeling from the effects of the COVID pandemic, yet another virus has hogged headlines across the world: the monkeypox.
Unlike COVID-19, the monkeypox virus isn’t relatively new. According to the World Health Organization, it was first detected in the 1970s, and human cases have since been reported in several African countries. It is becoming a public health concern these days, because it was recently detected in many nations.
How it spreads
According to WHO, monkeypox is caused by monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. It has an Incubation period of 6-13 days but can also range from 5-21 days
“Transmission can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus (which can lead to congenital monkeypox) or during close contact during and after birth. While close physical contact is a well-known risk factor for transmission, it is unclear at this time if monkeypox can be transmitted specifically through sexual transmission routes. Studies are needed to better understand this risk,” the WHO added.
What to watch out for
Symptoms include unexplained acute rash and one or more of the ff:
- Headache
- Acute onset of fever (>38.5oC)
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
- Myalgia (muscle and body aches)
- Back pain
- Asthenia (profound weakness)
Patients with the above-mentioned symptoms and travel history to some countries may be considered a suspect case, the WHO said.
Cases where monkeypox has been recorded outside the African continent, (as of May 21, 2022) are in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA, and Singapore.
Cure and prevention
Recent transmissions may be a reflection of “declining immunity in all communities due to cessation of smallpox vaccination.”
WHO said using existing smallpox vaccines can help stop the spread of the monkeypox virus. It also said that “an antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox.”
The disease itself is self-limiting, but may be severe in some individuals, such as children, pregnant women or persons with immune suppression. Fatality rate stands at 3-6%, the WHO added. To compare with COVID-19, the global case fatality rate for that stood at 2% back in Dec 2021, according to the Department of Health.
Sanitation remains key
Like other battles against viruses, sanitation and an improved immune system hold the key to better health. Frequent handwashing with soap and water must remain a habit and isolation when one in the family has symptoms will always be a good step.
Regularly sanitize utensils and oft-used items in the house with Aeroguard Multipurpose UVC sterilizer, or keep surfaces at home clean with Domex cleaner, or use Lysol wipes when you’re on the go. You may also check other cleaning products here on edamama.
Parents can stay healthy with Puritan’s Pride Vitamin C and Centrum Advance; while kids can have pedia-recommended Clusivol or fun chewable gummies like Herbs of the Earth Multivitamins for kids.
