WHO Confirms Monkeypox Cases More Than 500 People
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by Monkeypox virus (MPXV). This disease is zoonotic or mediated by animals, such as monkeys, mice, and squirrels.
Transmission from animals to humans can be through bites or scratches, eating undercooked meat, or direct contact with animal cages infected with the virus.
Symptoms of Monkeypox Disease
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, although they are milder. A person infected with monkeypox will generally show symptoms 5-21 days after exposure to the virus.
However, in some cases, the incubation period can be shorter, which is around 7-14 days.
Symptoms of chickenpox generally begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The condition that distinguishes it from smallpox is that in monkeypox, swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) is found.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that there are more than 500 cases of monkeypox or monkeypox spread across 30 countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the emergence of monkeypox in many countries indicates that the virus may be spreading undetected.
Investigations are ongoing, but the sudden appearance of monkeypox in many countries at the same time suggests that there has been undetected transmission for some time, said Tedros quoted from the Straits Times, June 2022.
He asked authorities and the public to work together to prevent the spread of monkeypox by contact tracing and isolating patients with the disease.
Regarding the vaccine, Dr Lewis said the vaccine developed for smallpox was 85 percent effective in preventing the disease. However, supplies are very limited.
The WHO also does not recommend mass vaccination. Vaccine use should be targeted to protect health care workers and those most at risk.
In his explanation, Dr Lewis said the death rate from monkeypox was usually quite low. So far, no deaths have been reported among cases found outside of endemic countries.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience various symptoms that are suspected of monkeypox. In addition, if you have close contact with an infected person or have traveled to an area with an outbreak of monkeypox, you should consult a doctor.
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