It is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, transmitted from one person to one person or from surfaces contaminated with the virus, and can also be transmitted from infected animals to contacts.
The monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact with a person infected with the monkeypox virus. Through talking, breathing, or skin contact such as touching or sexual contact.
The virus may persist for some time on clothing, bedding, and surfaces touched by a person infected with the virus and another person who has touched these purposes may be infected, especially if they have a wound, scratch, or touch their nose or mouth without washing their hands.
Who is at risk of Mpox?
Pregnant women: the virus spreads during pregnancy to the fetus, during or after childbirth
Children
AIDS patients (HIV/AIDS)
Common symptoms of the disease
The symptoms disappear on their own within weeks yet some people can have severe illness or lead to complications or even death. Symptoms include:
Rash lasts for 2-4 weeks
Fever, headache and muscle pain
Back pain and weakness
Enlarged lymphoma
Appearance of pimples or sores on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, throat, anus, reproductive areas or in the eyes
Rectal inflammation with severe pain
Genital inflammation may cause difficulties in urination.
Complications
Encephalitis
Myocarditis
Pneumonia
In acute cases, people with chickenpox may need to be hospitalized and receive the necessary medical care and antiretroviral medications to reduce complications and accelerate the recovery from the virus.
Prevention
- Avoid contact with infected persons or wear a mask when it is necessary to mix with others
- Avoid sharing potentially contaminated objects, such as bedding and clothing, and should constantly clean and sanitize surfaces
- Wash hands with soap and water and use sanitizer.
- Avoid unprotected contact with animals such as cats, dogs, rats, and livestock
- In countries where animals carry the virus, all foods containing good cooking meat should be cooked before eating them.
- Infected people, must isolate themselves in their homes until the rash recovers, the crusts fall, and a new layer of healthy skin forms
Is there a vaccine against Monkeypox?
Two vaccines are used to prevent monkeypox that can be used to avoid monkeypox, if you are at risk of exposure to monkeypox infection, talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccine options available to you.
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