WHAT IS MONKEYPOX VIRUS?
Monkeypox can be defined as an infectious viral disease. It is an infrequent disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox disease. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder than it, and generally, monkeypox is not a fatal disease.
Monkeypox is a kind of zoonoses, which means it is caused by germs spread between animals and humans. In addition to monkeys, it is also found in other animals like apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and certain rodents in Africa. But humans can transmit it to each other, too.
MONKEYPOX ORIGIN?
Monkeypox was firstly discovered in 1958, at that time two outbreaks of pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the foremost source of the monkeypox disease was unknown. African non-human primates like monkeys harbored the virus and infect human beings.
In 1970, the first monkeypox human case was recorded. Before the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox human cases were found in central and western African countries.
In September 2018, the United State’s first case of monkeypox was recorded. The person, a Nigerian national, is believed to have contracted monkeypox in Nigeria before traveling to the United States. According to Public Health Department, the person was staying on a naval base before being moved to the hospital’s specialized infectious disease unit. People who had been in contact with the Nigerian person have symptoms of the disease too.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX?
It generally takes between 1 and 2 weeks after exposure to the virus of monkeypox to get sick, sometimes it could take as long as 3 weeks.
In the recent monkeypox outbreak, doctors have noticed some new symptoms that don’t match the earlier monkeypox symptoms.
New monkeypox symptoms are –
- Painful rash on your pubic area, genitals, or around the anus.
- Fewer bumps (one to two bumps) that are pus-filled or open sores.
- Some people do not get a fever or flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people even don’t get a fever.
- Bleeding in the lower part of the large intestine (rectum), and painful inflammation of the rectum lining (proctitis).
Symptoms of earlier monkeypox outbreaks are :
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Aching muscles
- Chills
- Backache
- sore throat
- Dry cough
- Swollen lymph nodes
- nasal congestion
- Trouble in breathing is also observed in some serious cases.
Medical Specialists are not sure what’s causing the shift in symptoms. But research is ongoing. In the meantime, if you notice these symptoms, connect with Specialty Care Clinic as soon as possible.
If anyone is sick having symptoms of monkeypox, it is recommended to stay at home if possible.
WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR MONKEYPOX?
As far as there is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus, most of the time people get better on their own. Also, antivirus drugs and vaccines used in the treatment of smallpox are effective in treating the symptoms of monkeypox.
Antiviral medicines are only recommended to those people who are severely sick or have a weakened immune system.
Treatment of monkeypox is aimed at relieving symptoms that cause pain. Care for monkeypox can include drinking more water and pain management.
As we understand the symptoms of monkeypox. Our experts at Specialty Care Clinics are always there to overcome the symptoms of monkeypox. Our specialist provides you with the best treatment and prevention methods for monkeypox. If anyone of you has monkeypox symptoms, connect with us at 469-545-9983.