What Is Monkeypox Virus?
Symptoms and Ways of Transmission!
The monkeypox virus, which has been heard frequently in recent times and has started to cause concern in various parts of the world, was primarily seen in the western and central parts of the African continent. This virus, which caused fear in the society after the Covid 19 pandemic, spreads from infected animals to humans.
Even though the name of the disease is monkey pox, this disease is actually based on rodents. Its first detection was in 1958, when different diseases similar to smallpox emerged during the study on monkeys. Since that day, monkeypox disease, which has been seen in limited quantities in the African continent, has become widespread over time and has started to be seen in different regions and different people. Generally, when the disease starts, it lasts between 2 and 4 weeks and the disease is self-limited.
What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox Virus?
With the increase in the number of people caught in the disease, the symptoms of monkeypox virus have become curious by many people. The incubation period of the disease is usually between 6 and 13 days, and the infection period can be divided into two different periods. In the first 5 days, patients experience symptoms such as back pain, enlarged lymph nodes, headache and muscle pain, fever and weakness.
Skin rash occurs between 1 and 3 days. Mostly, this rash occurs on the arms, face and legs. The rashes first become flat-footed and slightly raised from the skin, then turn into fluid-filled lesions. The lesions, which vary in number, are usually self-limited within 2 to 4 weeks. The disease may be slightly more severe in children.
Is Monkeypox Virus Contagious?
After hearing about the disease, the answer to the question of how the monkeypox virus is transmitted is often sought. The majority of such infectious diseases are known to be contagious. Generally, the disease is transmitted through rodent animals such as mice and squirrels. Being bitten by an infected animal causes the disease to spread. Using the fur of these animals and consuming their meat can also lead to the spread of the disease.
Touching the rashes of a sick person, using common items such as towels and sheets, wearing their clothes can cause the disease to be transmitted. It is possible to transmit the disease through droplets when sneezing or coughing. For this reason, it is necessary to pay extra attention to hygiene rules in order to prevent the disease.
What Is Monkeypox Virus and How Is It Treated?
According to studies, it is stated that the smallpox vaccine is approximately 85% effective for the treatment of monkeypox virus. For this reason, the symptoms of monkeypox virus are milder in people who have had smallpox vaccination. Medicines used to eradicate smallpox also appear to provide protection against monkeypox. However, it is stated that smallpox vaccines are not currently applied to the public and are made to health workers in order to provide protection.
This disease, which progresses more mildly compared to smallpox, ends in death in an average of 10% of people with it. However, even if the symptoms are mild, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms are noticed.
Ways to Avoid Monkeypox Virus Disease
According to the statements made by the World Health Organization, it is stated that human-to-human contact should be at a minimum level in line with the monkey pox prevention measure. Persons with the disease must be isolated.
As far as possible, contact should never be made with sick animals and their tissues. If necessary contact is required, clothing such as protective gloves, masks, overalls, and goggles should be used. People should stay away from infected animals as much as possible.
Considering the conditions of our country, the rate of catching this disease is seen as low. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the hygiene rules in order to completely eliminate the possibility. Hygiene, which is the most important stage of protection, is a precaution not only against monkey pox but also against many diseases. For this purpose, hands should be washed regularly with soap and water, and respiratory organs should not be touched with dirty hands. Also, do not approach unknown entities, including dead animals.