Monkeypox is a viral infection that was first observed in laboratory monkeys in 1958 and later found in humans. It saw a significant increase in cases in 2022, particularly since May, in regions such as Europe, North America, and others.
Causes and Transmission
Monkeypox is caused by a virus from the poxvirus family, showing symptoms similar to smallpox. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with infected animals (e.g., monkeys, rodents). It can also spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. While respiratory transmission is rare, it can occur during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Symptoms
Monkeypox infection usually starts with the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes: The rash often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, turning into blisters and pus-filled sores over time.
Symptoms typically appear within 1-2 weeks, and the course of the infection lasts 2-4 weeks. Most cases are mild, but individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. The treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. However, people who were vaccinated against smallpox may have partial protection against monkeypox. Recently, in some countries, smallpox vaccines have been used to prevent monkeypox infections.
Prevention
To prevent monkeypox:
- Avoid contact with infected individuals
- Follow proper hygiene practices
- Avoid contact with animals in regions where the virus is prevalent
2022 Outbreak
In 2022, the increase in cases outside of Africa indicated that the virus could spread more easily among humans. The outbreak triggered health alerts in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency, aiming to stop the spread through international coordination.
During this period, the possibility of transmission through sexual contact was also raised, prompting further research by scientists to understand the virus’s transmission methods better.