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What is monkeypox?
- Monkeypox is a rare viral infection caused by a virus related to the human smallpox virus and mostly occurs in tropical areas of Central and West Africa. It is so named because it was first discovered in an ape in the late 1950s, with the first human case occurring in 1970.
What are the modes of transmission of the disease?
- Primary transmission is mainly described through contact with infected wild animals (primates or rodents) in areas of Central and West Africa or with infected companion animals.
- Cases of secondary human-to-human transmission are described via the respiratory tract after inhalation of large droplets, as well as by contact with skin lesions of the affected person or with contaminated objects (e.g. bed linen or towels used by a patient). In any case, the human-to-human transmissibility of the disease is considered to be low.
- There are rare cases of transmission following consumption of meat from an infected animal that was undercooked or by contact with the skin or hair of the animal.
Is there a risk of infection from pets?
- There have been cases of transmission of the disease from pets in the past, but after contact of these animals with infected animals from Central or West Africa. Therefore the risk for our country is extremely low.
How does the disease manifest itself?
- The majority of people infected with the virus have no symptoms. For those people who do show symptoms, these appear 5-21 days after infection (most commonly around day 12). These may include fever, headache, myalgia, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and weakness. One to three days after the fever, a characteristic rash appears, initially as spots and papules, which develop into blisters and pustules and then into vesicles that eventually subside. It is initially found on the head and face and then spreads to the trunk and limbs, including the palms and feet. It should be noted that in some of the recent cases in Europe the rash was initially observed in the perinatal area and then spread to other parts of the body.
What is the treatment for monkeypox?
- Treatment is usually symptomatic. Most patients recover in 2-4 weeks.
- Hospitalization may be needed to treat symptoms or to prevent transmission of the disease.
Can I protect myself from getting the disease?
- I can apply some obvious rules. The most basic one is to avoid direct or indirect contact with people who are symptomatic of the disease. I must also observe basic personal hygiene measures (regular hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol-based antiseptic). Clearly if I travel to Central or West African countries I avoid contact with wild animals.
When do I need to contact my personal physician?
- It is considered very remote to have this disease if you have not recently traveled to Central or West Africa or if you have not been in close contact with someone who has had the disease.
- However, contact your personal physician if you have a rash with blisters and: a) Have returned from West or Central Africa in the last 3 weeks; b) Have been in contact with someone who has had monkeypox in the last 3 weeks; c) Have been in contact with someone who has had suspicious skin lesions in the last 3 weeks.
(AF)
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