Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Health authorities in Europe, the United States (US) and Australia are now busy with a new outbreak. Not Covid-19 but monkeypox (monkeypox) which was discovered recently.
In Europe, this outbreak was found in England, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Sweden and Germany. Citing CNBC International, specifically for the UK, cases have been found since May 7 and now there are 20 confirmed cases.
Monkeypox itself is a rare disease caused by a virus that is part of the same family as smallpox, although it is usually not very severe. This disease generally occurs in Central and West Africa.
The virus was first detected in captive monkeys in 1958. The first recorded human case was in 1970.
The disease actually disappeared for four decades, until it reappeared in 2017. As of May 2022, 450 cases have been reported in the country.
Cases outside Africa have historically been less common. Usually associated with international travel or imported animals.
In the latest report summarized by CNBC Indonesia, there were 13 countries reporting cases. Most recently, Israel.
How can someone get infected?
Monkeypox is spread when a person comes into close contact with other people, animals or infected material. Viruses can enter the body through broken skin, respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Human-to-human transmission occurs most often through respiratory droplets, although it usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact. Meanwhile, transmission from animals to humans can occur through bites or scratches.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swelling, and back pain. Patients usually develop a rash one to three days after the onset of fever, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The rash, which can cause severe itching, then goes through several stages before the legions scab and fall off. The infection usually lasts two to four weeks and usually goes away on its own.
Is there a cure?
There is currently no specific treatment or cure for monkeypox. Although most cases are mild.
However, people suspected of having the virus should be isolated. The smallpox vaccine is said to be very effective in preventing the spread of this virus.
Is it dangerous?
Cases of monkeypox can sometimes be more severe, with several deaths having been reported in West Africa. However, health authorities stressed that globally the risk was very low.
“While investigations are ongoing to determine the source of infection, it is important to emphasize that this outbreak does not spread easily between people and close personal contact with infected people,” said Clinical Director and New Infections at the UK Health Agency (UKHSA), Colin Brown.
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Monkeypox Spreads in Europe-Neighboring Indonesia, Here are the Symptoms
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