Is Monkeypox the Next Big Threat? Uncover the Facts and Protect Yourself!
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is one of the most recent diseases circulating the globe. It is a rare viral disease primarily occurring in Central and West Africa. The first time it was discovered was in 1958 when it first occurred in a laboratory filled with monkeys, hence the name.
How does someone get Monkeypox exactly?
Monkeypox can be passed on from person to person through (1) close physical contact with Monkeypox blisters or scabs, (2) touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone who has Monkeypox, (3) the coughs or sneezes of a person with Monkeypox. If you’re out in the wild in the parts of west, central, and east Africa, you’re also able to get Monkeypox through infected rodents such as when you’re (1) bitten, (2) touching their fur, skin, blood, body fluids, spots, blisters, or scabs, (3) eat their meat which has not been thoroughly cooked (NHS).
Some of the symptoms of Monkeypox include a fever, header, muscle aches, backaches, swollen glands, shivering (chills), exhaustion, joint pains, a rash after 1-5 days from the first symptoms, anal pain, and many more. However, keep in mind that these symptoms do not confirm that you are infected with Monkeypox.
How do you prevent getting Monkeypox?
There are several ways that you can do to protect yourself from getting Monkeypox such as getting vaccinated (with the appropriate vaccine recommended for you), avoiding close contact with people who have rashes similar to Monkeypox, avoiding contact with items that have been used by others who have been diagnosed with Monkeypox, avoid contact with dead or live wild animals if you’re visiting Western or Central Africa. If you do get Monkeypox, isolate yourself at home and wear a mask if you must be around others.
Works Cited :
- CDC. “About Mpox | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 26 Sept. 2023, www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.html#:~:text=Mpox%20(formerly%20known%20as%20monkeypox.
- NHS. “Mpox.” Nhs.uk, 29 Sept. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/.