Monkeypox is a virus that has been causing concern among health experts globally, as more and more cases are being reported. The disease was first identified in 1958, in a group of monkeys kept for research. Since then, over the years, sporadic cases have been reported in Central and West Africa, but recently, the virus has spread to other parts of the world, making it a new emerging threat to global health.
The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and cowpox viruses, and it is transmitted primarily through close contact with infected animals- mostly rodents and primates, and people who handle these animals. Additionally, the virus can spread from person to person through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or respiratory droplets.
The symptoms of monkeypox usually develop within five to twenty-one days after infection, and they include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. Shortly after, a rash develops, often beginning on the face, and then spreading to the trunk and limbs. The lesions go through different stages from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and then crusts, before finally falling off after a few weeks. The illness can be severe in immunocompromised people, and although there is no specific treatment for the virus, supportive care can help manage the symptoms.
In 2018, the World Health Organization was notified of an outbreak of monkeypox in Nigeria, with a total of 172 confirmed cases reported across 14 states. In 2019, similar outbreaks were reported in Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Republic of the Congo, with cases also reported in Israel, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This spread of the virus, especially outside the African continent, raises concerns of a potential pandemic.
Preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection include avoiding contact with wild animals, including rodents, monkeys, and other primates, as well as their meat. Proper and regular hand hygiene, avoiding contaminated materials, and using protective clothing such as gloves and masks, can also help reduce the risk of transmission, especially among healthcare workers.
In summary, monkeypox is a concerning global health emergency that requires immediate attention and control measures. Awareness and education on the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures are necessary to reduce infection rates and contain outbreaks. Timely response from governments, health agencies, and healthcare workers is also critical in containing the virus’s spread and preventing its potential emergence as a pandemic.
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