What is this disease?
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, usually found in Africa, however, now it has reached other parts of the world too. The disease originates in animals, but in the last 50 years or so has also been reported in humans, according to World Health Organsation (WHO).
How does it spread?
Monkeypox does not normally spread easily between people as it requires very close physical contact. This could be through broken skin; the eyes, nose or mouth; and as a result of coming into contact with the lesions, bodily fluids or respiratory droplets of infected people. It can also be contracted through prolonged contact with the contaminated possessions of infected people, such as clothing, bedding and towels.
Symptoms
- Rash that develops from vesicles into blisters
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Painful lymph nodes (raised glands, particularly in the groin and potentially in the neck, under the chin and in the armpits).
Treatment
The disease is usually go away without the need for treatment within 2–3 weeks. Some people may require antibiotics and analgesia to treat secondary infections and local pain.
Read more: Pakistan reports more cases of monkeypox
Outbreak
On Wednesday, WHO director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Recently, Sweden says it has confirmed a first case of mpox clade I.
In Pakistan, at least three patients have been diagnosed with the monkeypox virus in Pakistan.