What is Monkeypox?
The disease was first discovered in 1958 in a monkey. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Republic of Congo. Cases have since continued to appear in central and western Africa, with most reported in the Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
Monkeypox itself is caused by Orthopoxvirus, which belongs to the Poxviridae family, which also includes smallpox. Viruses in the Orthopoxvirus genus include smallpox (which causes smallpox), cowpox virus (cowpox), and vaccinia virus (the virus used in the smallpox vaccine). Initially, the cause of monkeypox was obtained from the bite of wild animals such as squirrels and monkeys. The most common case is transmission from animals to humans.
How does the transmission process occur?
Transmission of this disease can occur from animals to humans, or from humans to humans. Not only that, the virus can also be transmitted through the placenta from pregnant women to the fetus.
Transmission of monkeypox from animals to humans occurs through scratches or bites from animals infected with humans.
In addition, exposure to bodily fluids or blood from game animals can also trigger transmission through open wounds on the body. Also pay attention to the use of animal products (meat) made from infected animals.
Meanwhile, human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infected wounds, scabs, or bodily fluids of monkeypox sufferers.
Sharing personal items with someone with monkeypox can also be a means of transmission.
Monkeypox Symptoms
The symptoms are almost similar to chicken pox, but the symptoms felt are milder than those of chicken pox.
Monkeypox symptoms will appear after 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can be divided into 2 main phases, namely:
Phase 1: Days 0–5
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain and soreness
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom that distinguishes monkeypox from smallpox and chickenpox, as chickenpox does not cause this symptom.
Rash phase: Days 1–3 after onset of fever
The rash tends to form on the face and arms, rather than the patient's abdomen. However, the rash can also appear on the hands, feet, mouth, and around the eyes. The rash begins as a red, itchy rash, but then develops into clear pustules that turn yellow over time, then dry up and fall off. In severe cases, these pustules can enlarge and remove areas of skin when they peel off, although all symptoms generally resolve without treatment after 2-4 weeks.
Serious complications associated with this disorder are recurrent infections, pneumonia, hematologic infections, nervous system infections, and loss of vision due to eye infections.
How to Cure Monkeypox
Until now, there is no specific monkeypox medicine. Because, this condition can recover on its own in 2-4 weeks. However, some countries use tecovirimat as a way to cure monkeypox. This drug works by inhibiting the monkeypox virus from multiplying and spreading to other people.
During monkeypox symptoms, sufferers are advised to maximize rest time, meet fluid and nutritional needs and maintain a healthy diet. Monkeypox sufferers are also advised to self-quarantine and not leave the house to minimize the spread.
How to Prevent the Spread of Monkeypox
Preventing monkeypox involves taking precautions similar to those for other infectious diseases. Here are some steps you can take to prevent monkeypox:
1. Avoid skin contact with people with symptoms.
2. Do not kiss, hug, or have sexual intercourse with the patient.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
4.Do not touch the patient's rash or scabs
5. Do not share eating and drinking utensils with patients.
6. Avoid contact with host animals, including sick/dead rodents and primates.
If you experience symptoms like the above, you should immediately take it to the doctor for further examination. Do not let it be too late to treat it and make it worse. Immediately check with Grha Kedoya Hospital for further consultation with our best specialist doctors. In order to get the right & fast treatment and handling.
Article written by dr. Kresna Dharma Suryana, BMedSci, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).