MONKEYPOX: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
IMPRINTS ACADEMY
What is Monkeypox?
- Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease.
What causes Monkeypox?
- It is caused by monkeypox virus.
- Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus.
What other viruses are included in Orthopoxvirus genus?
- Variola virus (which causes smallpox)
- Vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine)
- Cowpox virus
When was Monkeypox virus first detected?
- The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Why is it known as Monkeypox?
- The name monkeypox originates from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes (not seen in smallpox)
- Rash (often beginning on the face)
- Chills
- Exhaustion
What is incubation period for monkeypox?
- 7-14 days
What is the average duration of this disease?
- The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.
What is the case fatality ratio of Monkeypox?
- Case fatality ratio is around 3-6%.
How is Monkeypox transmitted?
- Animal-to-human transmission
- Human-to-human transmission: Droplet infection, Contact (Direct and indirect) with body lesions
Is monkeypox a sexually transmitted infection?
- Monkeypox can spread from one person to another through close physical contact, including sexual contact.
How to prevent Monkeypox?
- Isolate infected patients
- Good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
What is the treatment for Monkeypox?
- Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection.
Is there a vaccine against Monkeypox?
- Vaccines for prevention of smallpox also provide some protection against monkeypox.
References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
- https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html