What is monkeypox and how can you prevent it?

The WHO recently declared a new international health emergency due to Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. This is the second time the organization has issued an alert in two years, but before you panic, there are some details you should know.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus member of the genus Orthopoxvirus, of the family Poxviridaesimilar to that of human smallpox.

This is transmitted from wild animals to humans and is given this name because the disease isIt was first detected in colonies of monkeys bred for research in 1958. It is now known that the main hosts are not primates, but rather species of wild rodents such as mice and squirrels endemic to central Africa, according to information from the Ministry of Health.

In November 2022, the WHO changed the name of the disease from monkeypox to Mpox to avoid the stigmatization and racism associated with the original name.

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How can a person become infected?

Direct contact with infected animals is a reason for infection, as is eating undercooked meat and other products from infected animals. Keep in mind that you can also contract it through contact with lesions, bodily fluids or respiratory droplets from infected people. This includes kissing and sex, whether vaginal or anal.

Infected people can also contaminate their belongings such as clothes, sheets, towels, etc. If you have contact with any of these, you are likely to contract Mpox.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

According to Mayo Clinic, Symptoms may begin three to 17 days after exposure.this period before its appearance is called the incubation period. These can last from two to four weeks and include fever, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle and back pain, chills and fatigue.

The site adds that the rash has several stages. It “usually appears first on the face, hands or feet and then spreads to other parts of the body.” Flat spots appear, which then turn into blisters that fill with pus. They then form a scab and fall off within two to four weeks.

From the time symptoms begin until the rash heals, you can spread Mpox.

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How do I avoid getting infected with the Mpox virus?

The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding close contact with people who have a rash similar to Mpox, as well as avoiding using or touching objects that have been in contact with an infected animal or person.

He stressed that it is essential to isolate people who have Mpox and avoid contact with animals that may have the virus.

If you have had any kind of contact with an infected person or animal, you should wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is useful.