“Over 2 years after COVID-19 shook our world, another viral disease looms and mind you, we have not yet conquered the COVID-19,” the news reporter said under the headline “Monkeypox: Another pandemic?”
Monkeypox: History and definition
Though the name sounds new to many, this disease is not new at all. Here’s a quick history of this infection:
- Monkeypox is a viral disease that was first discovered in 1958 when colonies of laboratory monkeys had the ‘pox-like’ disease.
- It wasn’t until 1970 that the first case of human infection was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Monkeypox is endemic (i.e., occurs regularly) in some countries in Africa, including Nigeria.
- There have been different cases recorded in other parts of the world like in 2003 when an outbreak of the disease occurred in the US; those times, the outbreaks were contained on time.
- This year 2022, at least 20 countries have confirmed cases of Monkeypox after the first case in the United Kingdom in May.
Cause
The disease is caused by the Monkeypox virus, in both humans and animals. The virus spreads from animals to humans through bites or scratches. It can also be transmitted among humans by contact with body fluids and contaminated surfaces.
Presently, the ‘pox-like’ disease has no cure. Though, it has been discovered that people with the smallpox vaccine are somewhat protected from the disease as the vaccine is 85% effective against Monkeypox.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms arise within about 5-21 days after exposure to the Monkeypox virus and it takes 2-4 weeks for it to run its course. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and as such, might be mistaken for other viral diseases. These include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Shivering
- The presence of swollen glands (lymph nodes) distinguishes Monkeypox from Smallpox, Measles and Chickenpox. These swollen glands may appear in or around the neck, or groin.
- Rash, which eventually gets filled with pus, bursts and scabs over.
Prevention of Monkeypox
- Avoid direct contact with infected persons.
- Avoid touching materials used by infected persons.
- Avoid contact with infected animals.
- Researchers are still unsure whether Monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluid, but cases have occurred in sexual contacts, likely due to skin-to-skin contact or mouth-to-skin contact.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer after contact with an infected person.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for humans infected with this viral disease.
Treatment of Monkeypox
Though milder than smallpox, there have been reported cases of deaths, which make up about 10% of cases. The deaths are mostly in children and individuals with weakened a immunity such as those living with HIV. As mentioned earlier, this disease has no cure and there is presently no specific antiviral drug available for its treatment.
