Monkeypox: A viral disease

 

           Symptoms of monkeypox include a rash which starts on the face and spreads to the body

According to the WHO report "Monkeypox spreads to more than 70 countries.A global outbreak of monkeypox has grown to nearly 14,000 cases, including 5 deaths". 

what is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

How it spreads:

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

The monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, which is a genus of viruses that also includes the variola virus, which causes smallpox, and vaccinia virus, which was used in the smallpox vaccine. Monkeypox causes symptoms similar to smallpox, although they are less severe.

onkeypox spreads to more than 70 countries.A global outbreak of monkeypox has grown to nearly 14,000 cases, including 5 deaths", 

                                                                              

                                     

   The most common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, along with pox rashes that last for two to three weeks. Complications of the infection include pneumonia, secondary skin infections, confusion, and eye problem

How dangerous it is :

Experts suggest there is no need to panic. Dr Manisha Arora of Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute told IANS that monkeypox is a mild infection whose symptoms are similar to smallpox. It mainly spreads through body fluids and respiratory droplets, and isolation of cases and hospital surveillance is the main treatment strategy.

Monkeypox vs. Chickenpox: How to differentiate between the two?

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, whereas Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes shingles.

Both these viruses have the potential to spread through close contact, through respiratory droplets and/or through direct contact with skin lesions.

It is to note that while chickenpox is extremely common and contagious, monkeypox is a rare occurrence and does not spread as easily.

Roger Seheult, MD of MedCram explains what monkeypox is and the current treatments. See all Dr. Seheult's videos at:

                                            Source from  MedCram -Medical lecture explained