Health & Wellness

What the hell is Monkeypox? How Contagious is it!

What the hell is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a highly contagious and deadly virus that humans can contact from infected animals such as chimpanzees and monkeys. There is no specific cure for monkeypox, and it can cause severe symptoms, including fever, rash, and pneumonia. There is currently no vaccine available for monkeypox, and treatment consists of supportive care.

The infection can be spread through contact with respiratory secretions, blood, or saliva from an infected person.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but it is highly treatable with antibiotics if it is caught early on. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because the disease can be fatal in most cases.

What the hell is Monkeypox?

What the Hell is Monkeypox

What is monkeypox disease? Monkeypox is a viral illness that is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease that can be spread to humans through contact with infected animals, such as monkeys.

A virus-infected animal can spread the infection to people by bite or direct contact.

Monkeypox was identified in 1958 after two breakouts of a pox-like infection in colonies of monkeys held for study, thus the term “monkeypox.”

The very first human case of monkeypox was identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, at a period of increased effort to eradicate smallpox.

Since then, monkeypox has been documented in people in several Central and Western African nations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert concerning the spread of monkeypox and warned all African countries to take necessary precautions.

As of now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for monkeypox, so effective preventative measures are essential.

WHO recommends that individuals in close contact with primates (for example, during fieldwork or conservation activities) take appropriate precautions (such as wearing protective clothing) and monitor their health closely for any signs or symptoms of monkeypox.

What else is Monkeypox Called?

Monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. Variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus are all members of the Orthopoxvirus genus.

How Contagious is monkeypox

Monkeypox is a highly contagious virus that is endemic in central Africa. It is most commonly spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person.

The virus can also be spread through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus, such as door handles, doorknobs, or countertops.

There is no vaccine available for monkeypox, and there is no specific treatment for the infection but vaccine against smallpox can be effective in preventing monkeypox.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supportive care. The mortality rate from monkeypox is high, with about 50% of cases resulting in death.

So, while monkeypox isn’t deadly by itself, it can be quite deadly if not treated properly. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not you have been exposed to Monkeypox, please consult your doctor.

In the meantime, take basic precautions to avoid exposure – wear gloves when handling any contaminated material and avoid close contact with sick people.

Be sure to read: Does Monkeypox Leave Scars 

Read Next

  1. What does Monkeypox Look Like
  2. How can Monkeypox Harm Humans
  3. Does Monkeypox Leave Scars
  4. How Do you get Monkeypox Virus
  5. Lumpy Skin Disease in Humans Symptoms

References

  1. Monkeypox: An unfamiliar virus spreading fast 
  2. Monkeypox – WHO | World Health Organization
  3. Extended Human-to-Human Transmission during a Monkeypox Outbreak 
  4. Emergence of Monkeypox as the Most Important Orthopoxvirus Infection in Humans

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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