Monkeypox Outbreak: What We Know About It So Far
WHO has recently reported a Monkeypox outbreak in Africa and this is what we know so far.
Chickenpox, Cowpox, Smallpox, and now Monkeypox (also known as MPox) — all this is making everybody pox-itively crazy! But the sudden outbreak and rising cases in Africa caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to sound the alarms, announcing the outbreak as a “public health emergency.” The Philippines already had its first case back in 2022 so, it’s good to know what this disease is about:
1. Monkeypox Outbreak: Infects via Physical Contact
Mpox (or Monkeypox) looks similar to smallpox and is usually transferred from animals to humans. Usually, the disease is carried by smaller rodents like squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, and dormice. However, some studies also showed that different species of monkeys can also carry it and transfer it to humans via their bodily fluids (e.g. blood, spit, urine, etc.)
2. Symptoms of monkeypox usually involve a painful rash.
Like most pox-like diseases, they show in the form of rashes. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) shares that the disease is less severe than smallpox, it’s still deadly and painful to deal with. Accompanying the painful rashes are symptoms like fevers, muscle pains, sore throats, and swollen lymph nodes (these are the nodes under the chin).
Usually, the first symptom is a painful rash and it’s often flat. In some cases, it can also look like itchy blisters — pouches of liquid found on our skin. If there is one, don’t pop it! That’ll spread the virus!
3. No direct cure for monkeypox.
The only reason the Monkeypox outbreak sounded the alarms is besides its rapid infection rate, there’s no direct cure. However, studies revealed that the disease can go away on its own while we manage the symptoms. Some even use anti-viral medicines designed to treat smallpox to help the body fight the disease in their body.
Usually, they confirm if a person has monkeypox similarly to a COVID-19 test: a PCR test. Unfortunately, rapid antigen testing doesn’t work since these can’t differentiate certain viruses.
4. There is a vaccine however for monkeypox.
The United States’ CDC already released a statement about JYNNEOS™ being a possible vaccine brand to reduce the chances of generating new cases due to the Monkeypox outbreak. But the health office of Winsconsin also recommended ACAM2000 — another vaccine brand.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines will soon receive the vaccine for monkeypox this coming 2023 and have been in talks with the company bringing it in since 2022. As to which brand will be making its way to the Philippines, there hasn’t been any announcement yet.
5. The best way to prevent it: keep surfaces clean.
Right now, it’s still in the stage where only physical contact can make monkeypox infect another person. But let’s make sure it stays that way! Should we encounter anyone who’s had Monkeypox, make sure to disinfect the things they touch with alcohol or disinfecting agents. And even if we don’t, it’s always best to wash our hands. Most especially for our kids who love putting everything in their mouths!
Dealing with Monkeypox Outbreak: Prevention is better than Intervention
Doctors have been saying this over and over but it’s hard to prevent another incoming disease when we just came from one four years ago. We certainly don’t want a repeat of that and the best way to do it is to make sure we stay clean. Wash our hands with anti-bacterial soap, organize our things, sweep out the dust, and keep everything cool and dry. While we can’t cure monkeypox, we can certainly reduce the chances of us being part of the outbreak!
More about diseases?
Angelica Panganiban’s Bone Disease Reminds Us to Check With Our Doctors
Important Details About Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Not Your Typical Flu
