Image Source
Although the Corona epidemic has begun to subside, a rare disease called monkeypox is now spreading in many parts of the world. A significant number of monkeypox patients have been identified in several countries, including North America and Europe. The infection has been on the rise since the beginning of this month. The disease has already spread alarmingly in some parts of Africa. In this context, on Friday, the BBC Monkeypox has revealed what and how the disease is transmitted in a report.
Monkeypox is a rare and little-known disease. Several European countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, have begun investigating cases of the disease.
The United Kingdom has confirmed that the number of monkeypox cases in the country has doubled. So far, a total of 20 patients have been identified. Health Minister Sajid Javed said 11 new cases had been reported. However, most of the affected people have mild symptoms.
To combat the monkeypox, the UK government is increasing its stock by purchasing smallpox vaccine.
How common are monkeypox
Monkeypox infection is caused by a virus called Monkeypox. It belongs to the Smallpox virus class. Experts say monkeypox is far less serious and relatively infectious.
The new disease is more prevalent in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near the tropical rainforests.
There are two main types of monkeypox virus — West African and Central African.
Early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, sweating, back pain, muscle cramps and fatigue. When the fever subsides, rashes appear on the body. In most cases, rashes appear on the face at the beginning. Later spread to other parts; Especially on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Two people infected with the virus in the United Kingdom have traveled to the African country of Nigeria. So the idea is that they are infected with the West African version of the virus. Although the symptoms of this type of infection are generally considered mild, it is not yet certain.
Another of the victims, a health worker. He has been exposed to contact with monkeypox patients.
Of the recent cases of infection that have been identified, there is no link between the two and the patients have no history of traveling abroad. Apparently, they have become victims of social infection inside the UK.
The UK Health Safety Agency says if anyone thinks they have been infected with monkeypox, they should see a doctor. However, you have to inform about this before going to the hospital or clinic.
Early symptoms of monkeypox
Early symptoms include fever, headache, sweating, back pain, muscle cramps and fatigue. When the fever subsides, rashes appear on the body. In most cases, rashes appear on the face at the beginning. Later spread to other parts of the body; Especially on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
The rash can cause extreme itching. These change and go through a few steps before they become scabs in the final stages. Later they fall off and scars may form in these places.
Usually the infection goes away on its own at some point. The patient recovers in 14 to 21 days.
The way it is transmitted
Monkeypox can be spread by close contact with an infected person. The virus enters the body through fragile skin, trachea, eyes, nose or mouth.
The disease can be spread through sexual contact হলেও although this has not been said before, it is now thought that the virus can be transmitted through direct contact during sexual intercourse.
The virus can also be spread by contact with infected monkeys, rats and squirrels, and infected objects such as bedding and clothing.
How dangerous it is
In all cases of monkeypox infection reported so far, the symptoms have been found to be mild in most cases. Sometimes the symptoms were like chickenpox or chickenpox. In a few weeks it has healed on its own.
Monkeypox can sometimes get serious. Death can happen. As reported in West Africa.
Monkeypox can be spread by close contact with an infected person. The virus enters the body through fragile skin, trachea, eyes, nose or mouth.
How common the infection is
The virus is first identified in the body of a captive monkey. Sporadic outbreaks have been reported in 10 African countries since 1980.
The virus was first detected outside of Africa in 2003 in the United States. At the time, patients were infected with the virus through close contact with some dogs. The virus entered the body of these dogs through small mammals. It is known that a total of 61 people were infected with the disease at that time. However, no one was killed.
Read more
Rare 'Monkey Pox' is spreading in different countries of the world
In 2016, MonkeyPix spread a bit in Nigeria. It is known that there are 162 suspected patients. Three-quarters of them were 21 to 40 years old.
What a treatment
There is no cure for monkeypox, but it is possible to control its spread by preventing infection.
The smallpox vaccine has been shown to be up to 75 percent effective in preventing monkeypox. The United Kingdom has purchased smallpox vaccine as a precautionary measure. However, it is not clear exactly how many vaccines have been collected. Spain is reportedly preparing to buy several thousand vaccines.
How worrying
Experts say that we are not on the verge of facing a situation where the virus could spread across the country. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) says the risk is still low.
Mall of the University of Nottingham