We can still feel the effects of the pandemic until now, and it has not been eradicated still. Yet, another virus is circulating, affecting many people around the world. Monkeypox came at a time when the world was still showing signs of recovery from COVID-19, which makes it all the more devastating.
Luckily, it did not have the same impact as the coronavirus. Health experts now call it Mpox. Here are a few facts that you might not know about it, just for the sake of knowing.
1. It Has Only Resurfaced
This might not be general knowledge, but the then-called Monkeypox was actually discovered back in 1970. It's named that way because the virus was first detected in captive monkeys, just a decade before, according to BBC.
2. A Nightmare for Dermatologists
What makes the virus terrifying for some is the symptoms that show when you get infected. Other than high body temperatures, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, symptoms will also appear on the skin in the form of lesions and rashes. Some patients end up with clusters of wounds that sometimes turn black when it dries up.
3. Be Careful with Close Contact
In the wake of COVID-19, close contact with others has been avoided. This should also be the case for Mpox, as it can be transmitted through contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like towels or bedding, as mentioned by WHO.
4. You Might Not Know You Have It
Like COVID-19, Mpox has an incubation period. Symptoms will only show around 3 weeks after contracting the virus. However, rashes may develop in under five days if someone has flu-like symptoms, according to the CDC. So, you may not know you have it and actually have it There have been no reports of transmission without symptoms, so far.
5. It's Not Just from Monkeys
If you think you're safe because you're as far from monkeys as you can, think again. The virus can be carried by other animals, such as rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and other non-human primates. Be very careful with your surroundings, especially with wild animals.
6. Reducing Animal to Human Transmission
Most viruses are usually transmitted from animals to humans, and this stems from unsafe interactions, even through consumption. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals, including their meat, blood, and other matters. If you're cooking animal meat or parts, make sure to cook it thoroughly to make sure no virus survives before consumption.
7. International Contagion
Fortunately, cases have already been declining, but it still managed to reach many countries. In 2022, around 100 countries were affected. The US, Brazil, Spain, France, and the UK have the highest total number of Mpox cases.
8. No, There Are No Microchips in the Vaccine
Despite the backlash against vaccination, including the accusation about them having microchips (which are untrue), it is recommended that people get vaccinated for prevention. Observational studies showed that around 85% of people vaccinated for smallpox managed to avoid getting the virus.
9 It Can Get Worse
Like COVID-19, underlying illnesses may cause Mpox effects to worsen. People can get secondary infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and infection of the cornea with ensuing loss of vision. People with preexisting conditions must be extremely careful not to contract the virus.
10. Extra Protection
Vaccines have already been developed specifically for Mpox. It is available for both prevention and cure. Then again, people always say that prevention is better than cure, so make sure you get vaccinated for Mpox prevention to void having to go through it.
