#Monkeypox ##猴痘科普 #
As of May 24, 19 countries have reported reported reports of 131 confirmed cases of monkeypox and 106 suspected cases since the current outbreak was detected in the UK on May 7. The World Health Organization believes that as the scope of testing expands, more cases of monkeypox are expected worldwide.
Monkeypox is an animal-derived zoonotic infectious disease, pathogen: Monkeypox virus is a double-stranded DNA virus, belonging to the positive pox virus genus of pox virus family, and is "close relative" to smallpox virus. Rodents may be the natural reservoir of monkeypox viruses. Squirrels, Gambian rats, different species of monkeys, etc. can be infected. Natural host animals, infected animals and monkeypox patients are the main sources of infection of the disease.
How does monkeypox spread?
Viruses mainly invade the human body through mucous membranes and broken skin, through contact with the blood, body fluids and secretions of infected animals, as well as droplets spread in direct contact with people and long-term close contact, and contact with items contaminated by the virus. In the major endemic countries where monkeypox has been endemic in the past, infected people mostly obtain the virus from infected animals when killing or preparing to eat wild game, including direct contact with the blood and body fluids of infected animals. Eating the stomach of infected animals if cooked improperly is also a risk factor. Secondary transmission or human-to-human transmission is mainly through respiratory droplets (prolonged exposure), i.e. droplets with the virus can infect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. Infections can also result from healthy people's exposure to the body fluids of an infected person, or to clothing or bed sheets contaminated with monkeypox.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The clinical symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox, but to a lesser extent. Initially flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, rapid heartbeat, lymphadenopathy, and body aches. The most typical symptom in the later period is a large-scale rash on the skin after 2 to 3 days. The incubation period is about 5 to 21 days, with an average of about 12 days. It is self-limiting. Most infected people recover within a few weeks, but some are seriously ill or even die. The case fatality rate is between 1% and 10%.
Is there an effective way to prevent monkeypox?
At present, there is no specific treatment for this disease, mainly symptomatic treatment and supportive treatment. There is no corresponding vaccine for monkeypox, but studies have confirmed that smallpox vaccination has a cross-protective effect on monkeypox virus – pre-exposure vaccination is effective in protecting people from infection, while within 2 weeks after exposure, especially in the first 4 days, about 85% of those vaccinated can develop immunity and reduce the severity of symptoms. If you are worried, you can do a good job of protection from the following points:
Avoid contact with animals that may carry monkeypox virus (mainly primates, rodents, marsupials from southern Africa);
Avoid eating wild game, especially when working and living abroad;
Avoid contact with any items contaminated by monkeypox patients or animals;
Isolating infected patients from other people who may be at risk of infection;
Maintain good hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing hands with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
Personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for monkeypox patients;
If you return from a monkeypox-endemic area, you should do a good job of self-monitoring, and once you have symptoms such as fever and rash, you should see and report it in time.
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