Monkeypox: Should We be Worried?

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that has an outbreak recently in around 16 countries with around 250 confirmed cases. The disease is a very mild form and in the family of smallpox. This is not a new viral disease but an outbreak of an old viral disease.

Monkeypox was first reported in 1970 in the Republic of Congo. The disease was mainly found in western and central Africa. The disease is known for the last 20-30 years and the modes of transmission and its effects on humans are known which makes it not such a deadly and alerting disease.

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The incubation period of the disease is 7-14 days. The initial phase of the disease shows the following symptoms including fever, body ache, malaise, and muscle aches which are similar to the influenza virus. Following this, there is usually a rash which is commonly found on the face but can also be found on limbs or other parts of the body. The rash or pox usually starts to appear after 1-3 days after the initial symptoms (but can take a longer time). The rash or pox usually lasts for about 14-21 days and forms a scab which then falls off. The rashes or pox appear throughout the body including the inside of the mouth and genital area. The rash or pox is painful and pearly shaped which contains fluid in them and is often surrounded by red circles. The primary distinguishing feature between smallpox and monkeypox is the enlargement or the swollen lymph nodes

The disease is not a life-threatening disease, and the symptoms resolve on their own. Supportive treatment and resolution of symptoms are the key treatment modalities that are offered to the patients infected by monkeypox. The recovery from monkeypox is generally in 3-4 weeks. The vaccine for smallpox has reported some benefits in the severity of the disease of monkeypox. The fatality rate of monkeypox is low and with the current outbreak, the mortality rate is 1%.

The disease is spread mainly spread when coming in close contact with an infected individual. The broken skin membranes, mucous membranes, respiratory droplets, and infected body fluids are common ways to get the disease from the infected individual.

The severity of the disease is not alarming, but it is crucial to notify the health care authorities if experiencing any symptoms and isolate self from infecting others with the disease. To test for monkeypox skin swabs will be collected from the skin rashes and poxes. Get in touch with our medical clinic in Downtown Vancouver and call “Choice Medical” right away. Talk to our pharmacist to under your medicine better.

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