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What is monkeypox?

 

Oh great, just when we thought we had Covid under control, here comes monkeypox! What's this one all about and should we be worried?

 

Not just about monkeys…

 

The disease is called monkeypox as it mostly affects monkeys and rodents. It’s been periodically prevalent in Central and West Africa since the 1970s. Monkeypox comes from the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. 


A few months ago, when monkeypox first surfaced worldwide, it was inaccurately attributed to being a sexually transmitted disease, spreading amongst homosexual people. 

Monkeypox is, in fact, a skin-to-skin contracting disease, which can spread through any contaminated contact, like bedding, clothes, utensils, or even saliva droplets. And it can affect anyone.

 

How bad is it? 

 

If you’ve seen the pictures, you know that monkeypox is a bit of an unpleasant-looking disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox is usually “a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%.”


The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describe the onset of monkeypox as, “People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.”

 

Do we have another Covid on our hands?

 

If we’re talking misinformation and fake news, monkeypox could certainly be another Covid. Remember, it’s not just a sexually transmitted disease although it can, of course, spread through sex. There’s even been “news” circulating that the Covid vaccine causes monkeypox. Fact-checking shows that there is no evidence this is true. 


Monkeypox does present similar symptoms to Covid, including fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache and respiratory issues. Some people experience only the rash or blisters, while others have a full range of symptoms. 


For now, there aren’t specific vaccines or treatments for monkeypox infections. As monkeypox and smallpox share similarities, doctors may use smallpox medication to treat monkeypox infections. 


Call your doctor if you notice any worrying signs of monkeypox (even if you haven’t been in contact with someone who was infected). Most people with monkeypox recover within a few weeks.


In terms of a pandemic, researchers and scientists are still undecided. The WHO has officially classified monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. What this means is that monkeypox is on the global health radar and (hopefully) won’t turn into a pandemic. 


One of the key things we’ve learned through Covid is the importance of good hygiene. So, remember the basics: 

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with an infected person. 
  • Take good care of your health and ensure your immune system is healthy. 
  • If you’re concerned about respiratory transmission, wear a mask while out in public.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.