There have been numerous news reports about new outbreaks recently, causing many of us to feel anxious. After becoming familiar with COVID-19, we now face a new virus called “Monkeypox,” which many people may not fully understand yet. Questions like “What is it?”, “How does it spread?”, and “How dangerous is it?” often come up. When hearing the name “Monkeypox,” some might think it comes from monkeys or is limited to animals. But in reality, Monkeypox is a disease that spreads to humans and can disrupt our daily lives. In this article, I’ll take you through an in-depth look at what Monkeypox is, how it spreads, and whether we should be concerned about this virus.

What is Monkeypox? Does it come from monkeys?

Monkeypox is a viral infection similar to smallpox but less severe. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. However, there’s no need to panic, as Monkeypox is not as deadly as the smallpox virus, which was eradicated in 1980. Still, we must be cautious since there is no specific treatment for this virus.

The Monkeypox virus was first discovered in 1958 among a group of monkeys used for scientific research, hence the name “Monkeypox.” However, the virus didn’t originate from monkeys; it was simply found in them first. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in Africa. Over the past few years, Monkeypox has gained more attention due to its increasing spread across various regions worldwide.

How does Monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans or from human to human. The primary transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids. Contact with contaminated personal items can also spread the virus. Main transmission methods include:

• Direct contact with infected animals: Bites or scratches from infected animals or contact with their bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, or pus from wounds.
• Direct contact with an infected person: Close contact with someone who has skin lesions or rashes caused by Monkeypox or contact with their bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, or pus.
• Contact with contaminated objects: Items like clothing, bed linens, or personal belongings that have come into contact with infected fluids can spread the virus.
• Airborne droplets: Although not the primary route, the virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact with an infected person.

Interestingly, you don’t need sexual contact to contract Monkeypox, though there have been reports of it spreading through sexual contact, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ community. Still, most cases arise from close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals.

How dangerous is Monkeypox?

In terms of severity, Monkeypox isn’t as terrifying as previous outbreaks or COVID-19, but it’s still something to be mindful of. The mortality rate is around 1-10%, depending on the virus strain and the patient’s health. Most patients recover within 2-4 weeks without needing hospitalization. Additionally, the virus often resolves on its own, particularly in individuals with strong immune systems.

While not extremely lethal, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, with fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The most bothersome symptom is the development of pustules on the skin, starting as small spots that grow into large pustules before breaking open and forming scabs.

In some cases, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS or on immunosuppressive medications, Monkeypox can lead to more severe symptoms or even death.

Factors contributing to the current outbreak of Monkeypox

The recent spread of Monkeypox has alarmed global health experts. The increasing number of cases in regions not typically associated with the virus, such as Europe and North America, has raised questions about what’s happening.

One factor is increased international travel and globalization, which has facilitated the spread of the virus. Contact with infected individuals or contaminated personal items, such as towels or bedsheets, has contributed to the outbreak.

How concerned should we be?

Though Monkeypox isn’t as severe as the smallpox outbreaks of the past, we shouldn’t ignore it. Protecting ourselves starts with avoiding contact with potentially infected wild animals and staying cautious about direct contact with individuals who show symptoms like rashes or skin lesions.

Wearing masks, maintaining cleanliness, washing hands regularly, and avoiding sharing personal items are effective preventive measures. Following public health guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Treatment for Monkeypox

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Monkeypox. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as:

• Fever and pain relief with medications
• Providing fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in cases with high fever or excessive vomiting
• Treating skin rashes or wounds with antiseptic or topical medications to prevent secondary infections
• Antibiotics in cases of secondary bacterial infections

Additionally, the smallpox vaccine used in the past has proven effective against Monkeypox. Vaccination can reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms, particularly for those at high risk, such as laboratory workers or people in outbreak areas.

Preventing Monkeypox

Preventive measures for Monkeypox include:

• Avoiding contact with wild animals or sick animals and not consuming undercooked meat.
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who have skin rashes.
• Regularly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick individuals or contaminated objects.
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves when caring for an infected person.
• Vaccination for individuals at higher risk.

Conclusion: Is Monkeypox dangerous?

While Monkeypox isn’t as dangerous as smallpox, it’s still a disease to take seriously. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, and sexual contact is not necessary to contract it. The best prevention is avoiding contact with sick people or wild animals and maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness.

If you suspect you or someone close to you may have contracted Monkeypox, it’s essential to consult a doctor immediately for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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