Uncovering the Mystery: How Does a Person Get Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease that has been gaining attention in recent years due to its spread in different parts of the world. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans from animals. And while monkeypox is often compared to smallpox, it is less severe and has a lower fatality rate.
In this article, we will explore how monkeypox is transmitted from animals to humans, its symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent its spread.
How is Monkeypox Transmitted to Humans?
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals. Primates, rodents, and other small mammals are known to carry the virus. The disease is prevalent in Central and West Africa, with outbreaks occurring from time to time. It can also be transmitted through scratches or bites from these infected animals, as well as through direct contact with their bodily fluids.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible but rare. Person-to-person transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person, or contact with items such as beddings, clothing, or towels that have been contaminated with the virus.
What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of chickenpox or smallpox. They usually appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure. The initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. Skin lesions then develop, starting as macules (flat, red spots) and progressing to papules (raised, fluid-filled bumps), vesicles (small blisters), pustules (pimples filled with pus), and scabs.
How is Monkeypox Treated?
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the disease is self-limiting, meaning it will usually resolve on its own within a few weeks. Treatment is symptomatic, focusing on relieving the symptoms of the disease. Antiviral medications can be used to reduce the severity of the disease. Some drugs used to treat smallpox or chickenpox have been found useful for monkeypox.
How Can Monkeypox be Prevented?
Preventing monkeypox from spreading from animals to humans is essential. Avoiding contact with wild animals, particularly primates, rodents, and other small mammals, is crucial. People who handle animals or animal products must take some precautions, including wearing protective gloves and clothing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding contact with animal fluids and tissues. Animal markets and bushmeat hunting, common practices in some African countries, should be avoided.
For human-to-human transmission, infected individuals should be isolated, and contacts with the infected person should be followed up closely for two weeks. Vaccines for humans are available, but they are not widely available.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. Its symptoms are similar to those of chickenpox or smallpox, and there is no specific treatment for it. Avoiding contact with wild animals, particularly primates, rodents, and other small mammals, is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. It is essential to take precautions in handling animals or animal products to avoid transmission, and infected individuals should be isolated to prevent human-to-human transmission.
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