What to know about monkey pox

Monkey pox is a viral illness in a group of viruses such as chicken pox and small pox. As at yesterday, the disease which   was first reported in Bayelsa State on the 22nd  of last month was suspected to have spread to six more states.          According to the World Health Orgainsation […]

Monkey pox is a viral illness in a group of viruses such as chicken pox and small pox. As at yesterday, the disease which   was first reported in Bayelsa State on the 22nd  of last month was suspected to have spread to six more states.         

According to the World Health Orgainsation (WHO) it is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe. During human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with other patients is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection, WHO said.

The symptoms include headache, fever, back pains, sore       throat, and in severe cases, rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox. The rashes might last between  two to four weeks.

The Nigeria Centre for   Disease Control (NCDC)  said transmission of the disease was  via contact   with   infected       animal,  human,  or contaminated materials.      

“Animal-to-human         transmission        occurs         through       bite    or scratch    from animals       and    bush  meat  preparation.         It      can    also be transmitted        from one person        to      another. Human-to-human transmission    occurs through respiratory droplets, contact  with infected  persons or contaminated   materials. Control measures include  isolation of suspected or  confirmed   cases, strict adherence    to universal precautions, especially frequent handwashing with   soap and  water, and use of   personal protective   equipment,” the organization said. 

 The NCDC said monkey pox was self-limiting, which  means  patients      tend to recover  with   time, adding that however,  supportive  care   and    management  of  condition is required and mostly successful.  

Minister of Health , Prof Isaac Adewole said anyone with symptoms of monkey pox should immediately report to the nearest health facility, while health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe safety precaution.

He said that the virus had no known treatment and no preventive vaccines hence the public should be at alert and avoid crowded places as much as possible.

He advised the public to avoid eating dead animals, bush meat and particularly bush monkeys.