A patient in the United Kingdom was found to be infected with the monkeypox virus, who had come to the country from Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox is “mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates. Although human-to-human transmission is rare, it does occur. If someone is infected, symptoms may be prolonged. Can last between 2-4 weeks.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox virus?
monkeypox A rare viral infection that rarely spreads between people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, “It is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, some individuals may develop severe disease.”
- Some of the common symptoms include – muscle aches, back pain, headache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and tiredness are among the major symptoms.
- The initial stage of the disease lasts about 5 days. “Patients may experience a combination of fever and/or chills, lymphadenopathy, headache, myalgia, back pain, and fatigue. Fever occurs in most, but not all, patients.”
- In the second stage, a rash appears. According to WHO, in 95% of cases it is believed to be concentrated on the face.
What are the treatments and precautions for monkeypox virus?
According to official UK government documents, the virus enters the body through broken skin (even if the break is not visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth).
The vaccinia vaccine, used during the smallpox eradication program, was also protective against monkeypox, WHO said.
The CDC says that in 1970, the first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a period of intense effort to eradicate smallpox. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone are some of the other African countries where the disease has been reported. Outside Africa, cases involving international travel or imported animals have been reported in the United States, Israel and Singapore.