What is Monkeypox and what causes it?
MonkeyPox is a viral disease discovered in the monkey laboratory(1958). The diseases most commonly occur in central and west Africa. In 2003, monkeypox infected several people in the United States after they had contact with infected prairie dogs. The MonkeyPox virus is similar to viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox in humans.
What animals can get infected by Monkeypox?
The old and new world monkeys and apes, a variety of rodents(mice, rats, squirrels, and prairie dogs) and rabbits are susceptible to infection; other wild and domestic animals may be susceptible too.
How does a person get MonkeyPox?
It’s definitely sure that people can get monkeypox by direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, body fluids, or sores as well as bites. The signs of illness start about 12 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, chills, sore throat, and fatigue.
Usually, within 1-3 days, a rash with raised bumps develops, especially on the arms and legs and possibly on the face and torso.
Later these sores developed into “pocks” i.e blister-like lesions containing pus. In the final stage, these sores crust over, form scabs, and eventually fall off but the illness generally lasts for 2-4 weeks to recover fully.
How to prevent your animals from infection?
Vaccination with the vaccinia virus(used in smallpox vaccination) can possibly protect non-human primates from the monkeypox virus.
The best method is instructed for prevention is to avoid exposure to animals or human beings infected by the particular virus. Pets keepers are to be extra cautious.
How can animalS get monkeypox?
The possibility of spread can be direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. It May be can be through skin abrasions or the air in aerosols.
How to Protect yourselF from monkeypox?
Avoid exposure to infected animals or people. Although the smallpox vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of an outbreak of monkeypox it’s only recommended for those who had close contact with those infected by this virus.
As per the information given by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccination can be given up to 14days after exposure.
