Everything You Need to Know About Mpox and How to Stay Safe

Sep 04, 2024

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus that caused smallpox.

It was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred among monkeys being used for research, which is how the virus got its name.

However, monkeys aren't the main carriers of the virus. Instead, the virus is mostly found in rodents and small mammals, particularly in parts of Central and West Africa.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

It primarily spreads to humans through direct contact with infected animals. This can happen if a person touches the blood, body fluids, or skin sores of an animal that carries the virus.

Human-to-human transmission is less common but can happen through close contact with an infected person. This might involve touching the skin sores or body fluids of someone with the virus or contact with contaminated items, like bedding or clothing.

Monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets. Especially in situations where people are close for extended periods, such as in a household or healthcare setting.

The incubation period (the time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms) can range from 5 to 21 days, but most people start to show symptoms within 7 to 14 days.

What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?

The symptoms of monkeypox often start with flu-like signs. A person might develop a fever, headache, muscle aches and feel very tired. One of the distinguishing symptoms is swollen lymph nodes, which is different from diseases like smallpox or chickenpox.

After a few days, a rash usually appears, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

The rash goes through several stages, starting as flat, red spots that turn into raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters and finally, crusts that fall off.

The rash can appear on the hands, feet, and even inside the mouth. The number of lesions can vary widely, from just a few to thousands.

Most people recover from monkeypox within a few weeks, but in some cases, particularly with the Central African clade, the disease can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in children or those with weakened immune systems.

How is Monkeypox Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves looking at the patient’s symptoms, medical history and any recent travel to areas where the virus is known to be present.

If it is suspected, a healthcare provider will take samples from the rash or other bodily fluids and send them to a lab for testing. The most reliable test is called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which can detect the DNA of the monkeypox virus in these samples.

In areas where monkeypox is more common, doctors might also rely on the appearance of symptoms, especially if there is an ongoing outbreak, even if lab tests aren’t readily available.

How is Monkeypox Treated?

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Instead, care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

This might include taking medications to reduce fever and pain, staying hydrated and treating any secondary infections that might occur, such as bacterial infections on the skin.

In some cases, antiviral drugs that were originally developed for smallpox might be used to treat it, but these are typically reserved for severe cases or for people who are at high risk of complications.

Recommended Supplements

While there isn’t a specific supplement that cures monkeypox, keeping your immune system strong can help your body fight off the virus. Some supplements that might be beneficial include:

Vitamin C: Known for boosting the immune system, Vitamin C can help protect your cells and promote the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections
Vitamin D: This Vitamin supports immune function and can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Many people have low levels of vitamin D, so taking a supplement might be helpful
Zinc: Zinc is important for the immune system’s ability to function properly. It helps your body produce and activate T-cells, which are essential for the immune response
Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy gut, which is important because a large part of the immune system is in it. A healthy gut can support your immunity.

How Can You Prevent Monkeypox?

Preventing monkeypox starts with avoiding contact with animals that might carry the virus, especially in areas where it is known to occur. This means avoiding eating bushmeat or handling wild animals.

If you're in an area where monkeypox is present, practicing good hygiene is key. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are caring for someone with monkeypox, use protective gear like gloves and masks to reduce your risk of infection.

In some cases, vaccination might be recommended. The smallpox vaccine, which was used to eradicate smallpox, also offers protection against monkeypox.

While routine smallpox vaccinations stopped after the disease was eradicated, the vaccine can still be given to people at high risk of it, such as healthcare workers or those in close contact with infected individuals.

Why is Monkeypox a Global Concern?

Although monkeypox has mainly been confined to Central and West Africa, recent outbreaks in other parts of the world have raised concerns about its potential to spread more widely.

Factors like increased global travel, deforestation and closer human-animal interactions make it easier for diseases like monkeypox to jump from animals to humans and spread across regions.

Ongoing research is focused on developing better treatments, vaccines and ways to prevent the spread.

By staying informed and taking precautions, we can help reduce the impact of monkeypox and other emerging infectious diseases on our health.

Sources

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.