Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease, has recently garnered significant attention due to its increasing incidence. While it is similar to smallpox, monkeypox is less severe but still requires careful management and treatment.
Debunking the Myths
The first thing is that it has nothing to do with monkeys. Rodents and squirrels rats are primary host and reservoir of pox virus and because monkey is intermediate host the name happens to be Monkey Pox.
Another interesting hoax is that it had spread from lab in Wuhan or deliberately released from some lab or created artificially as bioweapon. The virus already existed in nature in parts of Africa and small human outbreaks reported almost every year.
Another mis information as to now that is August 2024 is that WHO had declared Monkey Pox to be Pandemic but its not, instead it is declared as "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" or PHEIC in short. For a lay men it is about spread ie affecting multiple countries and continents as well as impacting significant illness and death rates globally.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola (smallpox) virus. The disease was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred, primarily in Central and West Africa, though recent cases have been reported in other parts of the world.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal, such as rodents or primates, or through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets of an infected person. The risk of transmission is higher in environments with poor sanitation and hygiene, close living quarters, or during direct care of infected individuals.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and can last 2-4 weeks. The clinical presentation can vary but usually includes:
Fever: A sudden onset of fever is often the first symptom.
Headache: Intense headaches may accompany the fever.
Muscle Aches: Myalgia or muscle pain is common.
Backache: A significant symptom that differentiates it from other viral illnesses.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymphadenopathy is a key distinguishing feature from smallpox.
Chills and Exhaustion: Severe fatigue often accompanies the early phase of the illness.
Rash: A characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. The rash typically starts after 3rd day of fever starting on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is critical in managing the spread of monkeypox. Here are some key measures:
Isolation: Infected individuals should be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. Proper sanitation and disinfection of surfaces and objects are also crucial.
Education and Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and transmission methods can help curb the spread of the virus. Awareness campaigns should focus on high-risk areas and populations.
Hygiene Practices: Regular hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer is essential. Avoid contact with infected individuals or animals, and refrain from touching items that may have been contaminated.
Complications
Secondary Bacterial Infections: These can occur when the skin lesions become infected by bacteria, leading to conditions such as cellulitis or abscesses.
Respiratory Issues: Severe cases may involve complications such as pneumonia.
Dehydration: Due to fever, vomiting, and difficulty eating, some patients may become dehydrated.
Severe Skin Lesions: Extensive or painful lesions that might require medical intervention.
Ocular Complications: In rare cases, the virus can affect the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis or corneal infections.
Encephalitis: Though rare, some cases may involve inflammation of the brain.
Sepsis: A severe and widespread infection that can lead to systemic inflammation and organ failure.
Complications in Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe manifestations and complications.
Since 2021, Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has seen a significant global increase in reported cases. The major outbreak that began in 2022 led to a large number of cases, especially in non-endemic countries. As of August 2024, there have been over 90,000 confirmed cases reported worldwide. This data includes both the 2022-2023 outbreak and the ongoing cases . As of the most recent data, out of the 90,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) reported globally, there have been approximately 150 deaths, that is 0.167% of cases.
Monkey Pox and Homeopathy
Although of use in controlling the complications of secondary infection, the diseases itself is self limiting and mild one and didn't require Homeopathy or any other therapy. Readers are advised to stay away from advertisements and social post claiming to cure or prevent Monkey Pox.
The homeopathy had number of medicines that can be used if needed in treatment of monkey pox symptoms like letharginess bodyache etc. but the disease will follow its natural course and nothing can change its course except improved immunity, so instead of following social media and hoax readers should rely on Senior Homeopaths.
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