The Truths About Monkeypox, its Vaccines, and Preventative Measures

After Corona, Monkeypox is terrorizing worldwide now! Recently WHO announced 1400 cases across 70 countries, and the situation is deemed to be an emergency.

Are you aware of Monkeypox and its symptoms, effects, and causes?

NO?

Here you go. This entire article will brief you on everything you need to know about Monkeypox.

Let's start by defining Monkeypox:

Monkeypox belongs to the Orthopox genus of the Poxviridae family. It is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the same family as the vaccinia (VACV) and variola (VARV) viruses.

Monkeypox is similar to smallpox and has similar symptoms. It is a contagious disease that gets transmitted from animals to human beings. In adults, it is less severe. However, it can be fatal in the case of children in rare cases.

The current outbreak is composed of two distinct virus lineages, B.1 and A.2. B.1 emerged from a single individual traveling from Nigeria to Maryland in 2021, while A.2 was probably introduced independently.

How does it spread in the body?

The most recent study found that 95% of monkeypox cases were transmitted sexually, with single genital lesions among new clinical signs.

• Monkeypox initially spreads through physical contact. In the current outbreak, it is more commonly diagnosed among men who have sex with men (MSM) or have multiple sexual partners.
• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions, face-to-face, or intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

How do we identify Monkeypox?

There are a few signs and symptoms of monkeypox that include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches and backache
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Pimples like blisters appear on your face, inside your mouth, or on other parts of your body, such as your hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

Rashes undergo different stages before they heal completely. It usually lasts 2-4 weeks. There may be a rash at first, followed by other symptoms. Some people only experience a rash.

Does monkeypox have any preventative measures?

That's right! It does have preventive measures and they are

• Be aware of your surroundings and what you touch.
• Do not touch the rashes or scabs of an affected person.
• Sharing meals, cups, or utensils with someone who has Monkeypox is prohibited.
• Getting close to someone with Monkeypox, kissing, hugging, and cuddling them is strictly not recommended.
• Do not use, or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Monkeypox.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water.

Is there a Monkeypox vaccination:

Yes! There are two vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that are designed to prevent monkeypox infection - JYNNEOS (also called Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000.

People are considered fully vaccinated about two weeks after receiving the second JYNNEOS shot and four weeks after receiving the ACAM2000 shot.

Although people who have been vaccinated are protected from infection, it is still important to avoid skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has monkeypox.

For people at risk of severe adverse events from ACAM2000 or severe disease from monkeypox (such as people with HIV or other immune compromising conditions), JYNNEOS should be given first (such as those who have HIV or other immune compromising conditions).

Lastly, we conclude:

Monkeypox is on high alert worldwide as the global figures continue to rise, WHO recommends that public health officials should coordinate with public health and travel operators to contact passengers and others who may have had contact with an infectious person while traveling to and fro from other locations.

Public places should have information about monkeypox symptoms and signs, as well as precautionary measures for preventing its spread should be available at points of entry, as well as how to pursue medical treatment at the place of destination if needed.

It is imperative that swift action is taken before the monkeypox virus establishes itself as an efficient person-to-person transmission pathogen in previously affected areas, as well as newly affected areas.

Therefore, it is crucial for us to be vibrant, follow all the precautionary measures, observe the changes in our body and seek medical help immediately if we observe any above-mentioned symptoms to stay away from this affliction called Monkeypox.