Should You Worry About Monkeypox?
Did you know there is an outbreak of monkeypox in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, and more European nations? There have been 131 confirmed cases so far. Cases include eight in England and twenty in Portugal.
But health experts have little idea where the infection began. And there is concern that the virus may be spreading unnoticed throughout populations. Suspicions feel it may have arisen through a novel transmission mode.
What is Monkeypox?
So, what exactly do we know about monkeypox? And how dangerous is it relative to other developing viruses? Contrary to what the name may suggest, monkeypox does not originate from monkeys. According to the CDC’s website, “monkeypox” originated in 1958. 1958 is when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys held for research. But, monkeys are not significant vectors.
Instead, the virus persists in rodents such as squirrels, pouched rats, and dormice. The virus comes from animal bites, scratches, or contact with animal fluids. Then it travels via coughing, sneezing, or contact with pus from the lesions.
Lesions caused by monkeypox are comparable to those caused by smallpox, but it does not spread very effectively between individuals. It has a substantially lower infection rate than smallpox. In many instances, individuals do not spread the virus to others.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Fever
- Body pains
- Swollen lymph nodes
Eventually, people have painful, fluid-filled blisters on the face, hands, and feet. Up to 10 percent of cases with a particular strain of monkeypox may be fatal.
How is Monkeypox Spread?
People tend to contract monkeypox from animals in West or Central Africa. The virus then reaches other regions. Transmission from person to person is uncommon. The virus needs direct contact with bodily fluids. It travels through coughing saliva or pus from the lesions.
Is a Vaccine Available?
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccination for monkeypox in 2019, which also protects against smallpox. The agency news release states that this vaccine is also part of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). SNS is the nation’s supply of potentially life-saving medications. SNS also provides medical equipment for use in a public health emergency. They ensure local resources are not depleted.
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