monkey pox
In recent days there has been a lot of talk about a disease that is not new, but one that had not been heard of so much, especially since it was endemic in a few countries on the African continent and now an outbreak has appeared in various parts of the planet. This is monkey pox.
Although the risk to the general public is low, it is important to know what it is like in order to deal with it. Thanks to the World Health Organization, here we answer all the questions you have about this disease and what measures you can take to protect yourself.
¿What is monkeypox?
It is a disease caused by a virus, which is known as the monkeypox. It is a viral zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person. Interestingly, the disease is so named because it was detected in several laboratory apes in 1958. However, most of the animals susceptible to contracting the disease and then infecting people are rodents, such as Gambian giant rats, dormouse or prairie dogs.
¿where is it typically found?
Monkeypox is normally found in the tropical forests of central and western Africa, where animals that can carry the virus live, and is endemic. On some occasions, it can also be found in people outside those African regions who could have been infected after visiting them.
¿What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes or lesions.
The rash usually begins on the first or third day of the onset of the fever. The lesions may be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, then crust over, dry up, and fall off. The number of injuries to a person varies from a few to several miles. The rash tends to appear on the face, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. They can also be found in the mouth, genitals, and eyes.
Symptoms usually last two to four weeks and go away on their own without treatment. If you think your symptoms might be related to monkeypox, contact your doctor right away. If you had close contact with someone who has these symptoms or suspect that there is a possibility of being, your doctor was informed.
¿Can people die of monkeypox??
In most cases, the symptoms of smallpox go away on their own within a few weeks, but in some people it can lead to medical complications and even death. Newborns, children, and people with immunodeficiencies may be at risk for more severe symptoms and death from the disease.
Complications of severe cases include skin infections, pneumonia, confusion, and eye infections that can lead to vision loss. Between 3% and 6% of identified cases where monkeypox is endemic have resulted in deaths. Many of these cases are children or people who may have other health conditions. Note that these figures could be an overestimate because case counts in endemic countries are limited.
Some people with monkeypox develop bacterial infections of the skin and lungs. The disease is usually milder than smallpox, but can cause death. During the 2003 outbreak in the United States, there were no deaths. Monkeypox usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
¿How contagious is it? ?
Monkeypox is likely to be transmitted when people come into contact with bodily fluids of challenged animals; for example, if an animal killed a person or if a person inhaled airborne droplets containing the virus.
