Many people wonder how can monkeypox harm humans; if this is your query, we will go over it in further detail in the next paragraph.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that can affect humans and other animals. As of now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available, and the virus is already responsible for several deaths.
If you are in an area where monkeypox is prevalent, you must take precautions to protect yourself. This includes avoiding direct contact with monkeys and being aware of the symptoms of the virus so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.
In This Article
- What is Monkeypox Disease
- How can Monkeypox Harm Humans
- How is monkeypox transmitted from person to person
- Monkeypox Precautions
What is Monkeypox Disease
The term monkeypox comes from the finding of the virus in monkeys in 1958 at the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1970, the first human case was discovered in a small kid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Monkeypox is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects monkeys but can also affect humans. The monkeypox virus can be transmitted from infected monkeys to humans.
This virus is usually detected in monkey saliva, faeces (poop), urine (pee), and brain or spinal cord tissue. There is currently no cure or vaccine available for monkeypox, and it is considered a serious health threat because it can cause severe illness, death, and social disruption.
The symptoms of monkeypox typically appear within four to seven days after being infected and may include fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, pneumonia, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
How can Monkeypox Harm Humans?
Monkeypox can harm humans with early signs are fever, headache, muscular pains, backache, enlarged lymph nodes, overall discomfort, and tiredness.
Later symptoms include a rash with raised pimples, which commonly appear on the face one to three days or more after the beginning of the fever.
The virus can cause severe pneumonia and encephalitis (a brain infection) in rare cases. The disease is most commonly spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and it is currently incurable.
Signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Myalgias
- Swollen lymph nodes (e.g., in the neck and groin)
- Fatigue
- Rash (on the face, limbs-including palms of the hands and soles of the feet)
If you are ever in doubt about whether you have contracted monkeypox, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of monkeypox can rapidly worsen if not treated promptly.
The virus can cause various symptoms, including fever, rash, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In rare cases, it can be fatal. The main concern with monkeypox is that it can quickly spread from person to person through close contact (such as kissing or hugging).
People infected with monkeypox should avoid close contact with animals and seek medical help if they develop any symptoms. Pregnant women and those immunocompromised (susceptible to other infections) are particularly at risk for serious health complications from monkeypox.
How is monkeypox transmitted from person to person?
Human to human transmission primarily occurs by respiratory droplets or direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids, material from skin lesions, and contaminated items.
Monkeypox normally takes 6 to 13 days to incubate, but it can take up to 21 days.
Monkeypox Precautions
There is currently no vaccine or treatment available for monkeypox. The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid contact with infected animals, including monkeys.
However, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself against monkeypox.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you think you may have contact with an infected animal – this includes contact with respiratory secretions, blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water – even if you don’t think you’ve come in contact with an infected animal.
- Stay home if you are sick – staying home will help reduce the number of people who come in contact with you and increase your chances of avoiding monkeypox.
- If you are travelling to areas where monkeypox is prevalent, you should take extra precautions to avoid infection.
- Educate yourself and your family about monkeypox – As with any new virus, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest information to make informed decisions about your health. Make sure to read about monkeypox and how to prevent it, and talk to your family and friends about it, so they are aware of the risks.
- Avoid close contact with monkeys – Monkeys are the natural hosts of monkeypox, and they are a significant carrier of the disease. If you are travelling to areas where monkeypox is prevalent, avoid close contact with monkeys – even if you are wearing a protective suit.
- Keep your immune system strong – Monkeypox is a highly contagious virus, and as such, it is essential to keep your immune system strong by avoiding infections in the first place. This means eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise will help boost your immune system.
- Stay alert – Don’t let Monkeypox scare you off from travelling to areas where it is prevalent – instead, keep yourself informed about the latest developments so you can decide whether or not to go.
Be sure to read: How Do you get Monkeypox Virus
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have contracted monkeypox, please get in touch with your doctor on protecting yourself and preventing the further spread of the infection. So, friends, we hope that going through the above how can monkeypox harm humans will surely help you.
References
- Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
- Complete genome from the current outbreak
- Monkeypox goes global: why scientists are on alert
