MonkeyPox or Mpox
Mpox, previously called monkeypox. This is a rare disease caused by a virus, it is a little similar to smallpox. The origin of this disease is from Africa and it is easily spread from one infected person to another one in a closed contact environment. Sometimes it is also spread from animals to human beings.
Human beings always want to live a healthy and happy life. This is not a bad wishes, but from the ancient times to still date, so many bacteria, virus and several diseases attacking the human being health. These health issues swallow people’s lives very easily. In 2020 the whole world struggled and got free from the dangerous virus COVID-19.
Recent months, several countries are suffering from one certain virus and a few thousands people have died. In this article, We can see in detail about that virus, symptoms and prevention methods.
Types of Monkeypox
Basically monkeypox are two types based on the origin location. They are:-
- Clade I – This type of virus originated from Central Africa.
- Clade II – This type of virus originated from West Africa.
After 2022-2023, Clade IIb, This is a subtype spreading several regions in Africa. In 2021 this virus spread from Africa to the USA, later on it is spreading to Europe and Australia in the year 2022. According to a WHO report, 115 countries are affected by this Monkeypox virus in 2024.
Symptoms of Monkeypox?
People who are infected by Monkeypox virus, they are not getting immediate symptoms. Getting symptoms on the body will take maybe several days to a few weeks.
- Fever.
- Rash.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Back pain.
- Muscle aches.
- Fatigue.
People will get the first symptoms on their body is rashes which may last for 2–4 weeks. After getting this symptom, people also get some symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). So people should be careful in the early stages of symptoms. Knowing about the symptoms is helpful to take some precautionary steps, the same way people also know about the stages of monkeypox. Because this will help to deal with this issue in the safest way without panicking.
Stages of MonkeyPox
There are five stages of monkeyPox. They are:-
Stage 1- Macules
In stage 1 Macules, flat, distinct and discolored areas of skin. This condition does not change the skin texture or its thickness.
Stage 2 – Papules
In stage 2 papules, spots are raised on the skin and the spots size is less than one centimeter wide.
Stage 3 – Vesicles
In stage 3 Vesicles – a small fluid swelling formed on the skin. That swelling will cause pain on the skin.
Stage 4 – Pustules
In stage 4 pustules – tiny, red hot pus filled, sores on the skin surface.
Stage 5 – Scabs
In stage 5 Scabs – Hardened crusts of the blood that form over sores, which helps to protect the skin and also helps to heal the virus over 2 to 4 weeks. So, this is the final stage to get healed from monkeypox. But time will take to form new skin on the hardened crusts. So, people don’t worry about the scars on the skin.
Prevention Steps for MonkeyPox
If people take prevention steps at the right time, surely they will help to avoid this health issue.
Mpox vaccines
People who want to prevent their body from getting the virus, they can get vaccines. Right now several people are using the vaccines developed for smallpox, because this is also providing protection against the virus. Monkeypox vaccines are currently only recommended for people who’ve been exposed to the virus.
Avoid Closed Contact
People are mostly hearing the words Social distance during coronavirus waves. Sameway people should always keep their distance from the monkeypox infected persons.
- People should avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals.
- People should avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the MonkeyPox virus.
- People should always thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat.
- People should always wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
- People should avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- People should avoid sex with their partner who has the virus. Sometimes practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams may be causing infection.
- People should always wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose when around others.
- Always cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surface areas.
- People should always use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
Self-Care for MonkeyPox symptoms people
People who are facing symptoms should follow some self care things. They are:-
- Don’t Panic: People should be calm and cool, when they are feeling the monkeypox symptoms. Because few of them are getting too panicked when they are seeing the news on social media and T.V.
- Pain relievers and fever reducers:Â People should take some Pain relievers and fever reducers medicines. This will help to reduce the symptoms from the body.
- Oatmeal baths:Â During monkeypox symptoms people are often facing itchiness on their skin. So taking an oatmeal bath in warm water helps to avoid the itching sensation on the skin.
- Quarantine:Â People who have monkeypox symptoms should be following self quarantine. This will help to avoid the virus infection spreading to others. People should keep themselves quarantined until they heal from the monkeypox virus.