Monkey Pox
Monkeypox is a viral infection characterized by purulent nodules on the skin. Monkeypox or monkeypox first appeared in the democratic republic of the congo in 1970.
At first, monkeypox disease has symptoms similar to chickenpox: watery nodules. As the disease progresses, watery nodules turn to rot and give rise to lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin due to swollen lymph nodes.
Monkeypox is a disease transmitted from person to person, but its primary source is rodents and primates, such as rats, monkeys, or infected squirrels.
Causes of Monkey Pox
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a virus that belongs to the group of Orthopoxviruses. The virus is initially transmitted from animals to humans through the scratches or bites of animals, such as squirrels, monkeys or rats, that are infected with the monkeypox virus.
Transmission of the monkeypox virus can also occur through direct contact with the body fluids of infected animals.
Monkeypox spreads between people through splashes of saliva that enter the eyes, mouth, nose, or wounds on the skin. Transmission can also occur through contaminated objects, such as the patient's clothing. However, human-to-human communication requires prolonged contact.
Symptoms of Monkey Pox
Symptoms of monkeypox will appear 5–21 days after the sufferer is infected with the monkeypox virus. The initial symptoms of monkeypox are:
- Fever
- Tired or drowned
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes, which are characterized by lumps in the neck, armpits or groin
The initial symptoms of monkeypox can last for 1–3 days or more. After that, the rash will appear on the face and spread to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs.
The rash that appears will develop from liquid-filled pus-filled pus- to pus-filled pus, then rupture and crust, then cause ulcers on the surface of the skin.
When to see a doctor
Immediately see a doctor if you feel symptoms such as chickenpox, namely watery nodules appear, especially when:
- The content of the nodules turns into pus
- There is contact with monkeys or squirrels
- I recently traveled to a country where there are many cases of monkeypox
Diagnosis of Monkey Pox
At the initial examination stage, the doctor will examine the symptoms and type of rash. The doctor will also ask about the country's travel history with a monkeypox case.
The appearance of a rash alone does not necessarily signal monkeypox. Therefore, the doctor will conduct a follow-up examination to see the presence of the virus in the body, namely through:
- Blood test
- Throat swab test
- Skin biopsy, by taking a sample of skin tissue for examination with a microscope.
Monkey Pox Treatment
To date, there is no treatment for monkeypox. The disease generally causes only mild symptoms and can resolve on its own within 2–4 weeks. Meanwhile, the spread of monkeypox can be prevented with the smallpox vaccine.
Meanwhile, some countries use tecovirimat to treat monkeypox. Tecovirimat works by inhibiting the monkeypox virus from multiplying and spreading to others. However, the use of the drug is still limited to adult patients with a body weight of ≥40 kg and children with a body weight of ≥13 kilograms.
Please note that monkeypox sufferers need to get treatment in an isolation room to get monitoring from a doctor and prevent the spread of the disease.
Complications of Monkey Pox
Monkeypox has a high cure rate. Although rare, this disease can still cause complications.
The risk of the occurrence of severe complications of monkeypox is higher in children, people with a weak immune system, people who have not received vaccinations, and people living in endemic countries or areas with poor sanitation.
Complications that can occur as a result of monkeypox are:
- Bacterial infections
- Lung infections
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
- Corneal disease (keratitis)
Prevention of Monkey Pox
The primary prevention of monkeypox is to avoid direct contact with primate animals and rodents, such as monkeys and squirrels or people who are being infected. Some other preventive measures that can be done are:
- Diligently wash your hands with water and soap or hand sanitizer, especially before cooking or processing food, before eating, before touching the nose or eyes, and before cleaning wounds
- Avoid sharing the use of cutlery with others also, and do not use the same items as people infected with monkeypox
- Avoiding contact with wild animals or consuming their meat
- Cooking foodstuffs, especially meat, until cooked
To prevent the transmission of monkeypox, doctors will give smallpox vaccines, especially to medical personnel who treat monkeypox patients. In addition to the smallpox vaccine, medical personnel must wear personal protective equipment when treating patients.
If you have a pet suspected of being infected with the monkeypox virus, immediately contact a veterinarian and do not allow the animal to wander around. Remember to use gloves and a mask before contact with such a pet.
Some of the symptoms of monkeypox that should be watched out for in animals are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Red eyes
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Rash or red spot on the skin
- Feather loss
Last updated: 23 May 2022
Reviewed by: dr. Pittard
source: https://www.alodokter.com/cacar-monyet
