Monkeypox has been on the news for quite a while now and it is not a very easy thing to move on from. We, the people of the world, have been exposed to many kinds of virus inflicted diseases such as Zika Virus, Ebola, Nipah and now we have the Monkeypox trending. Dr.Vivek Baliga says that over the period of time, we have grown to face as many infections and illnesses as possible and we have somehow managed to control them to a great extent but, eradicating it in totality is just impossible. What is Monkeypox and why is it getting known these days?
The History of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is something in medical history that has been quite recently discovered. It was first found in the monkeys on the African continent. Over a period of time, it was later discovered that the monkeypox virus had the capability to sustain life in rodents as well. Dr. Vivek Baliga says that it was not until the 1970s that people actually knew that this virus could affect humans as well. Monkeypox was diagnosed on a little boy in the Congo region for the first time in humans. Everything was going fine until the 2000s where people felt that it was restricted only to the African continent. In 2003, there were reports of it in the US as well. Although it is caused by a poxvirus, this case is totally different from the pox diseases we know. It was only in the year 2017, was there more and more conscious awareness splurge after the outbreak experienced in Nigeria.
What causes Monkeypox?
The monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from various wild animals such as rodents and primates, but has limited secondary spread through human-to-human transmission says Dr.Vivek Baliga reviews. Infection of index cases results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Africa, human infections have been documented through the handling of infected monkeys, Gambian giant rats, and squirrels, with rodents being the most likely reservoir of the virus. Eating inadequately cooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
Is there any cure for the disease?
Although the cases of Monkeypox can be severe, it is not fatal. Yet, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Monkeypox. The symptoms of Monkeypox include:
* Fever
* Intense Headaches
* Swollen Lymph Nodes
* Muscle Pain
* Back Pain
* Skin Eruptions
* Small, fluid-filled blisters on face and feet.
Monkeypox can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory where the virus can be identified by a number of different tests that need to be conducted in specialized laboratories. Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be most effective in preventing Monkeypox in the past but the vaccine is no longer available to the general public after it was discontinued following global smallpox eradication.
To prevent the condition, one needs to handle infected animals carefully. Wear protective gears and do not go out without shoes. Also, in order to prevent human-human contact, try to be away from the person affected until precautionary measures have been taken. Regular hand washing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people. Isolation of patients either at home or in health facilities is recommended.
These are some of the important details one needs to know about Monkeypox. Stay aware and stay healthy!
The History of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is something in medical history that has been quite recently discovered. It was first found in the monkeys on the African continent. Over a period of time, it was later discovered that the monkeypox virus had the capability to sustain life in rodents as well. Dr. Vivek Baliga says that it was not until the 1970s that people actually knew that this virus could affect humans as well. Monkeypox was diagnosed on a little boy in the Congo region for the first time in humans. Everything was going fine until the 2000s where people felt that it was restricted only to the African continent. In 2003, there were reports of it in the US as well. Although it is caused by a poxvirus, this case is totally different from the pox diseases we know. It was only in the year 2017, was there more and more conscious awareness splurge after the outbreak experienced in Nigeria.
What causes Monkeypox?
The monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from various wild animals such as rodents and primates, but has limited secondary spread through human-to-human transmission says Dr.Vivek Baliga reviews. Infection of index cases results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Africa, human infections have been documented through the handling of infected monkeys, Gambian giant rats, and squirrels, with rodents being the most likely reservoir of the virus. Eating inadequately cooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
Is there any cure for the disease?
Although the cases of Monkeypox can be severe, it is not fatal. Yet, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Monkeypox. The symptoms of Monkeypox include:
* Fever
* Intense Headaches
* Swollen Lymph Nodes
* Muscle Pain
* Back Pain
* Skin Eruptions
* Small, fluid-filled blisters on face and feet.
Monkeypox can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory where the virus can be identified by a number of different tests that need to be conducted in specialized laboratories. Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be most effective in preventing Monkeypox in the past but the vaccine is no longer available to the general public after it was discontinued following global smallpox eradication.
To prevent the condition, one needs to handle infected animals carefully. Wear protective gears and do not go out without shoes. Also, in order to prevent human-human contact, try to be away from the person affected until precautionary measures have been taken. Regular hand washing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people. Isolation of patients either at home or in health facilities is recommended.
These are some of the important details one needs to know about Monkeypox. Stay aware and stay healthy!
