There have been reports of Monkey Pox outbreak in Nigeria! Although the Nigerian Government is not really doing much to create awareness on the Monkey Pox outbreak, it is important we know about this disease which is similar to Chicken Pox but not as severe as it. Although there is currently no cure yet for Monkey Pox, it can be regulated and curtailed to some extent. Nigeria has sent a sample of Monkey Pox to World Health Organization (WHO) in Senegal, and we hope to get info soon.
Meanwhile, Dr Olufunmilayo talked extensively about this Monkey Pox, giving info on what you need to know about it. read the health report below.
There have Monkey Pox I would attempt in the next few tweets to talk about the Monkey Pox outbreak that has just hit Nigeria. As at 7th of October, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Health, Prof Etebu says there are 13 on treatment and 50 people on surveillance.
So what do we know about Monkey Pox and how can we stay safe in the middle of all the rumors, facts, and fears out there? Read closely.
However before we go too far, it’s good to state there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for Monkey Pox infection. But please note that even though the Monkey Pox infection has no specific cure or vaccines, it can be very controlled and curtailed. This is where good information & public education is paramount at times like these when fears/rumors rather than facts are spreading.
What Is Monkey Pox?
It is a rare infection occurring primarily in remote parts of Central/West Africa, near the tropical rainforests. Monkey Pox is actually regarded as a viral zoonosis (that means a disease transmitted from animals to humans) as it was seen in monkeys.
— Africa Lingua Franca (@PidginLanguage) October 9, 2017
What Causes Monkey Pox?
So what causes Monkey Pox? Medical research shows that Monkey Pox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is an Orthopoxvirus which includes Variola virus (the cause of smallpox), hence the similarity between both illnesses.
So, in essence, the Monkey Pox disease is very similar to the SmallPox of the 1960s, however, thankfully, it is milder than smallpox. Monkeypox was first discovered in monkeys kept for research, hence the name. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in Congo DR.
There are 2 groups of monkeypox virus but the West African type is milder, has fewer deaths, and limited human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms Of Monkey Pox.
While being similar to smallpox, as I said earlier, the Monkey pox is actually a milder illness. A simple bedside way to differentiate both diseases is that Monkey pox causes lymphadenopathy (big lymph nodes) while smallpox does not.
Symptoms of Monkey Pox Include:
Headache,Muscle aches Backache Swollen lymph nodes Chills Tiredness Rashes/vesicles
Swollen lymph nodes,
Incubation Period for Monkey Pox (from Infection to Symptoms) is usually 7−14 days but can be from 5−21 days.
What happens is fever starts first, then after 1-3 days, they develop a rash, first on the face then spreading everywhere.
How long does Monkey Pox last for? The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. For those who survive the illness, that is. (About 90%). What’s the survival rate for Monkey Pox? Sadly, monkeypox can kill as many as 1 in every 10 persons who are infected with the disease. The worst cases occur among children & death/survival is based on virus exposure, current health status and severity of complications.
How is Monkey Pox transmitted?
Mostly from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or the skin of infected bush meat and monkeys. People get Monkey Pox virus from the bare handling of infected monkeys & giant bush rats. Eating inadequately cooked bushmeat is also risky. You can get Monkey Pox if you keep close contact with an infected person, touch the skin rashes or any objects recently used by them.
This is why it is important to please take to the hospital ASAP if you see anyone with any rash similar to this because you are at risk.
I need to sound a note of warning. There’s NO place for self-treatment or keeping someone with Monkey Pox at home. It’s too dangerous. Family members and close friends are particularly at very high risk of catching and spreading the Monkey Pox virus if nobody reports it.
Treatment of Monkey Pox.
Sadly, there are no specific treatments or vaccines for monkeypox infection, but outbreaks can be controlled. Receiving smallpox vaccine is shown to be about 85% effective in preventing someone getting infected with the Monkey Pox in the past. However, the vaccine is not available again to the general public and it was discontinued following global smallpox eradication in 1977.
So ladies & gentlemen, in the absence of any specific treatment or vaccines for Monkey Pox, we have to focus our energies on PREVENTION.
How can we prevent the spread of Monkey Pox?
1. Close physical contact with infected people should/must be discouraged by all means.
2. Gloves and protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill people. And this care should NEVER be at home but a hospital.
3. Regular proper hand washing should be done after caring for or visiting sick people. Safe hand washing techniques should be taught.
4. The ideal advice is to STOP buying roadside bushmeat as it is highly risky since you cannot tell if the animal is infected or not. However, IF you have to buy any bushmeat at all, please thoroughly cook well all the animal products (blood, meat) before eating.
Hunters and butchers should please wear appropriate protective clothing while handling animals or the meat, and during slaughtering.
Finally, remember to always buy your meats from safe places, cook properly; Always wash hands with soap and water; And help educate others. Thanks for your time, everyone. It’s being quite a big honor to be able to share this information. Please help SHARE and tell others too.
For Questions/Inquiries Follow @DrOlufunmilayo on Twitter.