Monkey smallpox (Monkeypox) It was first discovered in 1958 during an outbreak of an epidemic similar to smallpox or smallpox. It was found in areas where monkeys were kept for research. Later, in the 1970s, an outbreak occurred in humans for the first time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s called human monkeypox, and it’s only spread in countries in central and western Africa. And after that, it was still found that there were 3 more infections in humans.
Patients infected with this infection have a chance of dying between 1–10%, mostly in the younger age group.
Symptoms of monkeypox (Monkeypox)
Monkey smallpox and monkeypox are difficult diseases to diagnose. Symptoms appear about 12 days after infection, with symptoms similar to those of smallpox. The symptoms are as follows.
Fever, chills, headache, enlarged lymph nodes muscle pain and fatigue In some cases, there may be a cough or back pain. After about 1-3 days of fever, the patient will develop a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts. of the body, then the rash will turn into pustules And finally, the pustules will be covered with scabs and fall off. The symptoms last for about 2–4 weeks, with most patients recovering on their own. But in the case of people with low immunity or chronic diseases Serious complications such as pneumonia or death may occur.
Groups at risk of contracting monkeypox and monkeypox
Currently traveling for tourism or business. in high-risk countries There may be a chance of being infected and bringing it back to the country. The risk group is foreign workers or Thai people who go to work in countries where there is infection tourist Tour operator People who travel to countries at risk of having the virus spread. Business people who travel to or from countries where the infection has been found.
Prevention Monkey smallpox Monkey smallpox
Avoid contact with sick animals, especially monkeys. And rats avoid direct contact with patients and their objects. Including the patient’s breath, wash your hands frequently with soap. or cleaning gel every time After touching an animal or touch public things, use a cloth to cover your nose and mouth When going to a place at risk of having an epidemic, if you find a sick person Separate infected patients from others. Vaccination against smallpox. Although the smallpox vaccine can help reduce the risk of infection, But vaccination should only be done by people who work at risk or are in close contact with infected people or animals. And the vaccine can still be received no more than 14 days after infection.
Treatment of monkey smallpox Monkey smallpox
Currently, there is no cure. or specific preventive vaccines But the outbreak can also be controlled. Smallpox vaccination This has been proven to be 85% effective.
Do not be complacent that monkeypox or monkeypox is only transmitted from animal to animal. Because this disease can be transmitted from infected person to person. Therefore, anyone who must travel to work in a country where patients with this disease are found You should follow the news in detail. Or it’s best to consult a doctor and pediatrician to be sure before everyone has to travel in advance. It will help protect yourself.
Article by Dr. Wiriyaporn Chanratchakul infectious disease pediatrician Samitivej Children’s Hospital
2023-11-07 09:38:35
#Monkey #smallpox #Monkeypox
