While the world tries to settle down after a 2-year challenge posed by Covid-19, one more disease that shows signs of testing the global health industry is on the rise. This time its Monkeypox, very similar to the more commonly heard Chickenpox, but caused by a different virus.
Through this article, we try to focus on Monkey Pox, its symptoms, causes and treatment available.
What is Monkey Pox?
Though similar to Chickenpox, Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by the Monkeypox virus. The symptoms are very similar to Chickenpox which include skin rashes and flu. Though monkeypox was first discovered close to 5 decades ago, it is very rare and spreads through human-human contact. The possibility of developing skin rashes is more as it can spread through skin-skin contact with an infected person.
Recent times have seen an increase in the cases of Monkeypox especially in and around the African continent.
What can cause Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is spread when you come into contact with either an animal or a human being infected with the virus. The transmission of the virus between humans and animals can occur through damaged pores and skin, like from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood or body fluids.
Research is still on to ascertain more facts about the causes of monkeypox but studies conducted so far have established possible links to getting in contact with contaminated substances like apparel, bedding and other linens used by a person who’s infected.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Not everyone with monkeypox develops all the symptoms. Some of the commonly observed symptoms include,
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
Due to the fact monkeypox is uncommon, your physician may evaluate you initially for diseases like measles or chickenpox, which are similar in nature to monkeypox. However, swollen lymph nodes typically distinguish monkeypox from the others.
Your doctor might also recommend a biopsy or a blood test.
Can Monkeypox be prevented?
Studies are underway to ascertain the effects of using a small pox vaccine in curing monkeypox. However, prevention depends on decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. The best way to help prevent the spread of monkeypox virus is to:
- Avoid getting in contact with sick or infected animals.
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Follow 100% hygiene
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
- Partake hot and well-cooked food
- Wear a protective mask when moving around heavily populated areas.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to people infected with the virus.
What are the treatment options currently available for Monkeypox?
As of today, there is no specific treatment which has been found for monkeypox as studies are still on to know more about the disease. Over-the-counter medications can help to a certain extent for now but it’s essential to follow strict hygiene and the advice of your physicians to control the spread of the disease.
The Final Note
Though Monkeypox is not a life-threatening disease, it can still cause some serious damage to critical organs. It is, therefore, necessary not to ignore possible symptoms and connect with an experienced Physician. One of the widely talked about hospitals in Bangalore to provide extensive, high-quality healthcare services has been Prakriya Hospital. With a team of well-qualified doctors, excellent facilities and advanced treatment options, the hospital has handled cases with possible Monkeypox symptoms successfully.
