What Is Monkeypox Virus? What are the symptoms?

Monkeypox virus is a rarely infectious virus found especially in western and central Africa. Monkeypox causes a disease similar to smallpox, a disease eradicated around the world by global vaccination programs. Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic disease. Zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.

What is Monkeypox Virus (Monkeypox)?

Monkeypox virus (Monkeypox) is the causative agent of a rare disease, monkeypox. It generally causes rash and flu-like symptoms. It is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and the Poxviridae family, together with the Variola virus, which is the much more widely known causative agent of smallpox. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 after two outbreaks of smallpox-like symptoms occurred among monkeys used for research. It is spread mainly by human contact with infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels); however, it can sometimes be transmitted from infected person to other person through skin contact. There are two types, monkeypox virus originating from Central Africa and monkeypox virus originating from West Africa. The virus that threatens to cause an epidemic in the world in 2022 is the less severe West African monkeypox virus.

Although the monkeypox virus has been seen in Africa for years, it has occasionally been seen in other regions outside of Africa. The monkeypox epidemic in the United States in 2003 was the first monkeypox epidemic to occur outside of Africa. This outbreak occurred through infected animals imported from Ghana to Texas. Infected rodents have spread the virus to domestic dogs. Later, in the midwest of America, 47 people were infected with the monkeypox virus.

Infections that were previously only seen in certain regions and limited to that region may become widespread with the spread of international travels. In the summer of 2021, monkeypox virus was detected in a person who had traveled to the United States from Nigeria. Later, in the 2022 epidemic, cases were also seen in Europe, America and Australia apart from Africa.

Monkeypox Virus ü Signs and Symptoms

Anyone can be infected with monkeypox virus. Most cases in Africa have been in children under the age of 15. The onset of signs and symptoms may take several days or weeks after exposure. Early symptoms of monkeypox are flu-like and may include the following:

• Fever
• Chilly
• Head pain
• Muscle aches
• Low back pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Flu-like symptoms A rash appears a few days after it appears. The rash begins as red bumps that can be painful. Later, these bumps turn into blisters filled with inflammation. Then the blisters crust over and fall off. The whole process can take up to two to four weeks. Similar sores and rashes can be seen in the mouth, vagina and around the anus. Not all people infected with the monkeypox virus will show all symptoms. In the 2022 epidemic, the usual process was not observed in most cases. In this outbreak, patients did not have enlarged lymph nodes, but only had a few rashes and a milder fever. Some people did not show any signs or symptoms despite being infected. It should not be forgotten that people who have had the disease asymptomatically can transmit the disease to other people in long-term contacts. The 2022 monkeypox epidemic is milder than other monkeypox epidemics. Currently, no deaths from monkeypox infection have been reported. However, it is known that rarely, the disease can cause pneumonia, encephalitis or eye infections.

Is Monkeypox Virus Contagious?

Monkeypox virus is contagious. It can be transmitted after contact with people or animals infected with the virus. Transmission of the virus from animal to human can occur through contact with intact skin, such as abrasions or open wounds, or through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, and debris of an infected animal. The risk of human-to-human transmission of the monkeypox virus is less. Human-to-human spread requires contact with an infected person's rash, respiratory droplets, or oral fluid. Search Although research continues, there is no evidence that the disease is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluid. In addition, the disease can be transmitted by contact with clothes, bedding, towels and laundry that have come into contact with a sick animal or human. Scientific studies continue to be conducted to obtain information about the monkeypox virus.

Diagnosis of Monkeypox Virus

Since monkeypox virus is a very rare infection outside of Africa, rashes, doctors with similar diseases chickenpox or other diseases such as measles. However, enlarged lymph nodes can distinguish monkeypox from other diseases. A sample is taken from the rash in order to make a diagnosis. The sample is sent to the laboratory for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. If the PCR test is positive, the patient is diagnosed.

Methods of Protection from Monkeypox Virus

There is currently no vaccine against the monkeypox virus. However, it is known that the smallpox vaccine, which is from the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, is also protective against the monkeypox virus. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, the smallpox vaccine is not included in the current vaccination schedules. Smallpox vaccines are used only within the scope of scientific research. In order to protect from this virus, infected animals should not be contacted and human-to-human contact should be limited to limit transmission. Some recommendations for the prevention of monkeypox are listed below:

• Contact with animals that are sick or dead should be avoided.
• The clothes and clothes that have come into contact with an infected person or animal should not be touched.
• All food containing meat or animal food should be well cooked and not consumed raw.
• Hands should be washed frequently and properly with soap and water.
• In contact with people who may be infected with the virus
• Safe sexual intercourse should be maintained and condom should be used.
• A mask should be worn to cover the mouth and nose in crowded communities.
• Places that are touched frequently, frequently should be cleaned and disinfected.
• When caring for people infected with the virus personal protective equipment should be used.

Monkeypox Treatment

Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease within 2-4 weeks. Most people do not need treatment and the disease will improve without treatment. After diagnosis, doctors evaluate the severity of the disease and follow the patient for signs and symptoms. If necessary, treatment for symptoms can be given. In the treatment, it is often sufficient to give antipyretic for fever, pain reliever for pain and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Fluid loss of the patient should be prevented. Therefore, it is recommended that infected people drink plenty of water. There is currently no established antiviral treatment for monkeypox virus. Antiviral treatments may help to overcome the disease, but there has not been enough research for the treatment of monkeypox virus specifically.

Difficulty breathing, new onset or worsening chest pain, neck stiffness after contact with an animal or human infected with monkeypox virus If you have complaints such as confusion, difficulty speaking or moving, loss of consciousness or seizures, you should definitely apply to the emergency service of the nearest health institution.

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