Our latest outbreak has “arrived”. SURPRISE!! This one is not deadly, by any means. Before panic sets in, let me tell you a bit about this latest entry of an attempt by the powers that be, for “world dominance”!
How common is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe and experts say chances of infection are low. Monkeypox and smallpox are both caused by members of the poxvirus family, but chickenpox is caused by the Varicella zoster virus and is not related to the poxviruses.
It occurs mostly in remote parts of central and west African countries, near tropical rainforests.
There are two main strains of virus – west African and central African.
Recent cases do not have any known links with each other, but did involve travel to Africa.
What are the symptoms?
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles.
Once the fever breaks a rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The rash, which can be extremely itchy or painful, changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The lesions can cause scarring.
The infection usually clears up on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days.
How do you catch it?
Monkeypox can be spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth.
It has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by direct contact during sex, because, obviously-this is close contact!
It can also be spread by contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels, or by virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding and clothing.
How common are outbreaks?
The monkeypox virus was first identified in a captive monkey and since 1970 there have been sporadic outbreaks reported across 10 African countries.
In 2003 there was an outbreak in the US, the first time it had been seen outside Africa. Patients caught the disease from close contact with prairie dogs that had been infected by small mammals imported into the country. A total of 81 cases were reported, but none resulted in deaths.
In 2017, Nigeria experienced the largest known outbreak. There were 172 suspected cases and 75% of victims were men between 21 and 40 years old.
What is the treatment?
Outbreaks can be controlled by infection prevention.
Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
Antiviral drugs may also help. And not to be under-estimated, A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM IS KEY and Vitamin D can certainly help! https://www.thenaturalpathtohealth.com/treating-symptoms-vs-restoring-health/vitamin-d-and-your-immune-system/
Should the public be concerned?
Experts say we are not on the brink of a national outbreak and, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the risk is low.
Prof Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology, University of Nottingham, said: “The fact that only one of the 50 contacts of the initial monkeypox-infected patient has been infected shows how poorly infectious the virus is.
“It is wrong to think that we are on the brink of a nationwide outbreak.”
Sources: UKHSA and World Health Organization.
