When the monkeypox virus spread rapidly in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of emergency. This situation, announced as a last-minute development by international agencies, caused many people to search for questions such as “What is the monkeypox virus, how is it transmitted, what are its symptoms?” on search engines.
WHOdeclared a global emergency for the virus outbreak in Africa. WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “public health emergency of international concern” He announced the highest alert level, describing it as “
The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention has “A very high risk event” Scientists compare this situation to the early days of HIV.
From the beginning of this year More than 17,000 cases and over 500 deaths reported in 13 countries in AfricaThe Democratic Republic of Congo has the highest number of cases, with 96% of confirmed cases this month, bringing the total number of cases to over 14,000.
What is Monkeypox Virus?
Monkeypox virus, It is a zoonotic disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus family, usually seen in Central and West Africa. It is transmitted to humans through direct contact with skin lesions or body fluids of an infected person or animal. This virus causes symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain and fatigue. In addition, rashes usually start on the face, hands, feet and mouth and gradually fluid filled lesionsturns into a.
Although the mpox virus is a member of the variola virus that causes smallpox, its effects are milder and rarely fatal. “Monkey pox disease” Although it is called the disease, the exact source of the disease is unknown. However, it is known that rodents and some primate species (such as monkeys) in Africa carry the virus and can transmit it to humans.
The first human case was reported in 1970. However, the world has become more familiar with this virus with the outbreak in 2022. Monkeypox virus, which is a self-limiting disease with symptoms that usually last 2-4 weeks, shows symptoms such as fever, itchy rashes, swollen lymph nodes and weakness. Severe cases can also develop depending on the severity of the disease.
Pathogen of Monkeypox Virus
Monkeypox virus is a double-stranded, enveloped DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus species of the Poxviridae family. This virus, which has two different genetic sections, originates from Central Africa (Congo Basin) and is known to be more contagious and effective.
How is monkeypox virus transmitted?
Monkeypox virus can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact such as kissing or sexual intercourse with an infected person, prolonged close-range conversation, spread by droplets, and use of contaminated items (such as clothing, sheets, towels).
It can also be transmitted through skinning, biting, direct contact with body fluids or animal waste, scratching, and eating animal flesh from an infected animal. Mpox virus is most common in small wild animals, especially squirrels, rats, and mice.
The ways monkeypox virus is transmitted are:
Transmission via respiratory droplets during face-to-face conversation
Skin contact (touching, kissing, sexual intercourse)
Prolonged close contact and respiratory droplets
Contact with contaminated items (such as bed linens)
Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy and birth
Transmission through the saliva, bite, or consumption of meat of an infected animal
What are the symptoms of monkeypox virus?
Symptoms of monkeypox virus include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and rash The rash is usually itchy and starts on the face, then spreads to the palms, soles of the feet, and other body areas.
Symptoms caused by the monkeypox virus include:
Pimple-like or blister-like rashes on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genital area or anus
Fire
Swelling of the lymph nodes
Weakness
Muscle and back pain
Headache
Respiratory problems (cough, nasal congestion)
Chills and shivering
The rash usually starts as flat, red bumps that eventually turn into pus-filled blisters. The blisters then crust over and fall off. This process usually takes two to four weeks, and the patient can still transmit the virus until the rash crusts over and falls off.
How Long Does It Take for Monkeypox Virus Symptoms to Appear?
Symptoms of the virus usually become apparent within 3 weeks of infection. Rashes usually appear 1-4 days after flu-like symptoms begin. It has also been observed that the virus can be transmitted up to 4 days before symptoms appear.
How Is Monkeypox Virus Diagnosed?
A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which is performed on skin lesions, is usually used to diagnose monkeypox virus. If there are no skin lesions, an anal or rectal swab may also be taken. A blood test may also be done to determine if the immune system has produced antibodies.
How to Protect Yourself from Monkeypox Virus?
The most effective way to protect yourself from monkeypox virus is to be careful to prevent the spread of the virus. The following precautions can be taken:
Get vaccinated: Vaccines developed for smallpox also protect against monkeypox virus.
Stay away from people who show symptoms of the virus and avoid skin-to-skin contact.
Avoid touching bedding, towels, or clothing of sick people.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after patient contact.
Stay away from animals that may carry the virus.
How is Monkeypox Virus Treated?
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus, but due to its similarity to smallpox, antiviral drugs used against smallpox can be used during the treatment process. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms such as pain and lesions and provide relief. If you have symptoms of the disease, it is important to see a health care provider for early diagnosis and treatment.
Differences Between Monkey Pox and Chicken Pox
Monkeypox and chickenpox may have similar symptoms, but some key differences include:
While monkeypox is an orthopox virus, chickenpox is a herpes virus.
Chickenpox is much more contagious and spreads more quickly.
Chickenpox usually heals within 2 weeks, while monkeypox can take 2-4 weeks to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Flower
Does monkeypox virus kill?
Death is rare, but some cases can be fatal. Early treatment when symptoms appear increases the chance of recovery.
How long does it take to cure monkeypox virus?
The healing process usually takes two to four weeks. The disease usually goes away when the rash dries and falls off.
What should be done to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission?
WHO recommends avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms of illness and isolating these people.
How can the risk of animal-to-human transmission be reduced?
It is important to avoid contact with sick animals and their tissues and to wear protective clothing if necessary.
Is monkeypox virus a new disease?
The virus is an old disease that was first seen in monkeys in 1958 and emerged in humans in 1970.
Why has monkeypox virus become important?
The increasing number of cases in 75 countries and the rapid increase in cases outside Africa have made the virus important. In Turkey, only one case has been reported so far.
Is the virus mostly transmitted to humans from monkeys?
The word “monkey” in its name may be misleading. The virus is most commonly transmitted by rodents such as mice and rats.
How effective is sexual contact?
Monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact, and sexual intercourse is also among these risks. However, the disease is not only a sexually transmitted disease.
How is monkeypox virus most commonly transmitted?
There is a risk of infection in crowded indoor areas, public pools, Turkish baths and jacuzzis. People who are suspected of having the disease should stay away from these places.
Why did the name of the monkeypox virus change, what is its new name?
The WHO changed its name to “mpox” in November 2022 because it was deemed “discriminatory and stigmatizing.”
Is monkeypox virus present in Turkey?
One case was reported in Turkey in 2022, but there are currently no other cases. Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu stated that there is no state of alarm in Turkey.
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