What is monkeypox? Causes, symptoms and prevention

According to the Ministry of Health, up to this point, monkeypox virus has appeared in more than 20 countries worldwide. This worries many people. So what is monkeypox? Is this disease serious? This article will answer those questions, as well as provide solutions for you to effectively prevent disease.

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What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This is a disease that is passed on from animals to humans. In addition, the disease can also be transmitted from person to person.

Do you know why the disease is named “monkey pox”? In fact, researchers have detected the disease in monkeys since 1958. Then the disease first appeared in humans in 1970.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus

Symptoms of monkeypox

You can recognize monkeypox through a few of the following symptoms: Headache, high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen glands, rash, …

After presenting with fever, people with monkeypox may develop a rash 1 to 3 days later . The rash may appear on: Face, palms and soles. In addition, skin lesions can also appear on the eyes, mouth and genitals.

Initially, the skin lesions may not be obvious or progress to vesicles with clear fluid, which swell and then dry, scab, and gradually collapse. Symptoms of the disease usually go away on their own after about 2-4 weeks without treatment.

Symptoms of monkeypox

How is monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans and from person to person. According to experts, infected people will be at risk of infecting others during the period of symptoms of the disease, usually from 2 to 4 weeks.

The question is, how will monkeypox spread? You can become infected if you come into close contact with the saliva, rash, sores, or body fluids (pus or blood from the rash areas) of an infected person.

How is monkeypox spread?

The virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby when the mother becomes ill during pregnancy or during and after birth through direct skin-to-skin contact.

In addition, personal items and items such as: Clothes, bedding, towels or other items such as eating utensils contaminated with the virus from an infected person can also spread the disease to others. At present, it is not clear whether people without symptoms can transmit the disease.

Monkeypox appears in rodents and primates

Besides, monkeypox occurs in rodents and primates can also infect humans. According to doctors and experts, you can minimize the risk of infection from animals by avoiding contact with wild animals , especially sick or dead animals. If contact is required, you can wear personal protective equipment.

In addition, when eating animal meat, we also need to pay attention to cooking it before eating . Especially in areas where the epidemic occurs, people are advised not to eat raw animal meat when the disease is not under control.

Subjects susceptible to monkeypox

Anyone who has contact with an infected person with monkeypox or an infected animal is at high risk of becoming infected. People who have been vaccinated will be protected to a certain extent.

Children are more susceptible to monkeypox than adolescents and adults. Symptoms that appear in children are also often more severe. In addition, parents should also be aware that the disease can be transmitted from mother to child, when the mother has the disease during pregnancy, during or after childbirth through direct skin-to-skin contact.

Subjects susceptible to monkeypox

Treatment for monkeypox

In fact, monkeypox is likely to go away on its own without treatment. However, we need to pay attention to limit touching or strong impact on the rash area to avoid infection. We should let them dry and deflate on their own. If possible, cover them with a damp gauze to protect the damaged skin.

If you have a rash or pimples in your eyes or mouth, you can rinse your mouth and use eye drops. But be careful not to use products containing cortisone . In addition, for severe cases, human immunoglobulin can be used, depending on the prescription of a specialist.

Treatment for monkeypox

How to prevent monkeypox?

To prevent monkeypox, you need to minimize contact with infected people and infected animals. If contact is required, be sure to wear a mask, use gloves, and wear protective gear.

In addition, we also need to regularly wash our hands with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Keep the house and living space clean, regularly clean personal items, change bed linen periodically.

How to prevent monkeypox?

In short, to prevent this disease, each person should have a sense of personal hygiene and hygiene in their living space. Limit exposure to the risk of infection. In addition, we also need to propagate so that people around have the right awareness about the disease.

Some questions about monkeypox

Is there a vaccine against monkeypox?

Currently, in the world , there are a number of vaccines against monkeypox that have been approved and put into use . However, this vaccine is not yet widely available. WHO is currently working with manufacturers to improve accessibility in many parts of the world.

Can children get monkeypox?

The answer is yes. Even children are more susceptible to severe monkeypox symptoms than adults.

Some questions about monkeypox

What to do if you think you have monkeypox?

If you suspect you have the disease, contact the nearest medical officer for appropriate medical advice and care . In addition, if possible, you should also self-isolate and limit contact in crowded places. Finally, you need to maintain personal hygiene and always wear a mask when going out.

Above is the basic information and how to prevent monkeypox compiled by Tnhelearning.edu.vn. Pay attention to the symptoms as well as effective prevention measures to protect yourself and your family.

Source: Ministry of Health (MOH) web portal

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