Cases off Monkeypox continue to spread in the United States and the rest of the world. The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency due to the number of infections spreading so fast. It is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus and causes rashes and symptoms that are similar to flu.
Signs and symptoms of monkeypox
After a person has been exposed to the virus, it could take several days or even weeks for the symptoms to develop. Some of the early signs include headache, chills, fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and unexplained fatigue. The person with the infection might develop rashes that begin as flat red bumps which could also be painful. The bumps then turn in to blisters that get filled with pus. The blisters eventually form a crust and fall off and the entire process could take two to four weeks. It is not essential that people with the infection can develop all the above symptoms.
How does a person gets infected with monkeypox?
It is spread when a person comes to contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. Animal-to-person contact occurs through broken skin. Spreading of person-to-person is less common but is possible if the infected person comes in contact with sores, respiratory droplets or oral fluids with a healthy person.
People infected with the virus usually get better on their own without treatment and the symptoms could last from two to four weeks. A healthcare provider can monitor the condition and help in relieving the symptoms by prescribing anti-biotics. Currently there is no approved antiviral treatment for monkeypox.
How to prevent monkeypox?
Vaccine for smallpox can provide protection but it is currently limited to just clinical trials. Talking about prevention it is better to decrease human contact with animals who could be infected. Wear a mask around infected people. Avoid contact with people who could be infected with the virus. Cook thoroughly the foods that have animal meat or parts. Make use of PPE kits while talking care of people infected with the virus.
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