What is Monkey Pox and How do you get infected.

On Friday, the United Kingdom revealed that the number of confirmed cases had more than doubled to 20.

The Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, stated that 11 additional cases had been confirmed, with the majority being minor.

The British government has purchased smallpox vaccination to protect against monkeypox.

How widespread is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, however it is significantly less severe and the likelihood of infection is low, according to scientists.

It is especially prevalent in rural regions of central and west African nations, close to tropical rainforests.

There are two primary viral strains: west African and central African.

Two of the infected individuals in the United Kingdom traveled from Nigeria; therefore, it is possible that they are infected with the West African strain, which is often mild, although this has not been proven.

Another incidence included a healthcare worker who contracted the virus from a patient.

There are no known connections between more recent cases, nor a history of travel. It appears they contracted it in the United Kingdom through communal transmission.

The UK Health Security Agency advises anyone with suspicions that they may be contaminated to consult a physician, but to notify the clinic or surgery beforehand.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back discomfort, muscular aches, and overall lethargy.

Once the fever subsides, a rash may appear, typically first on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, most frequently the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash, which can be highly itchy or severe, transforms and progresses through various stages until finally producing a scab, which eventually falls off. Lesions can result in scarring.

The duration of the illness is typically between 14 and 21 days.

How do you get infected

Monkeypox can be transmitted by intimate contact with an infected individual. The virus can enter the body via broken skin, the respiratory system, the eyes, nose, and mouth.

It has not previously been classified as a sexually transmitted infection, however it can be transmitted by direct sexual contact.

It can also be transmitted by contact with infected animals, such as monkeys, rats, and squirrels, or through materials contaminated with the virus, such as bedding and clothing.

How harmful is it?

The vast majority of cases are minor, occasionally approximating chickenpox, and resolve on their own within a few weeks.

However, monkeypox can sometimes be more serious, and has reportedly caused deaths in west Africa.

How often do outbreaks occur?

Since 1970, intermittent outbreaks of the virus have been documented in ten African countries, where it was first found in a captive monkey.

In 2003, an outbreak occurred in the United States, marking its first appearance outside of Africa. Patients contracted the disease from prairie dogs that were contaminated by tiny mammals imported into the nation. There were a total of 81 cases documented, but no fatalities.

Nigeria experienced the largest known epidemic in 2017. There were 172 suspected instances, and 75% of the victims were males between the ages of 21 and 40.
What is the therapy?

Monkeypox is incurable, but outbreaks can be contained by infection prevention.

It has been demonstrated that vaccination against smallpox is 85 percent effective in preventing monkeypox.

The United Kingdom has purchased smallpox vaccination, however it is unclear how many injections will be administered.

Antiviral medications may also aid.

Should citizens be concerned?

According to the United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there is a low probability of a nationwide outbreak, as stated by experts.

Prof. Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, stated, “The fact that just one of the 50 contacts of the initial patient infected with monkeypox has been affected demonstrates how poorly infectious the virus is.

It is erroneous to believe that a widespread outbreak is imminent.

The UKHSA is offering advise and monitoring those who have had close contact with patients.

Source: UKHSA and World Health Organization