According to the WHO, over 550 cases of the monkeypox outbreak have been reported globally as of June 1.
World Health Organisation
The monkeypox outbreak has taken a toll and caused a panic among humans, as alarming as the rate sounds. The virus was first discovered in monkeys as part of a study many years ago, and it quickly spread to humans as well. Fever, headaches, skin rashes, and spots all over the body are some of the most prevalent symptoms. To further understand what the monkeypox outbreak is and why you should be concerned, let’s first go over the symptoms of this deadly virus.
What is the Monkeypox outbreak, and what are the symptoms to watch for?
Monkeypox is a disease that originates in Central and West Africa. It’s a zoonotic virus, meaning it can transmit from animals to humans and between humans too. It was discovered in animals living in tropical forests in West and Central Africa, and it spread to humans who moved back and forth from there. This is why it has spread so widely in other nations as well.
According to research, the monkeypox outbreak appears to fade away on its own after a few weeks. If complications arise, though, medication may be required. If complications arise, it could possibly lead to death. The virus is more likely to infect young children, newborns, and those with weakened immunity. The monkeypox outbreak is also thought to spread through direct physical contact during sex.
These are the symptoms you should look out for:
- Fever
- Severe headaches
- Body aches (back pain and muscle aches)
- Lethargy
- Skin rashes (face, palm, hands, sole of the feet)
- Lesions (with clear or yellowish liquid)
- Inflamed lymph nodes
Other extreme conditions include:
- Pneumonia
- Eye infections (leading to loss of vision)
- Confusion
It will usually take up to 2 weeks to recover, but may even last a month. There is no such medication required as it goes away by itself. However, if symptoms appear, separate yourself and see a doctor right away.
How the Monkeypox outbreak is affecting mental health?
It is essential to look for your own and others’ mental health. This includes preventing symptoms and adhering to SOPs, and also limiting direct contact with someone you suspect is suffering from them. If you know someone who has been afflicted, advise them to isolate themselves. Finally, to prevent transmission from surfaces, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.
How you should prevent yourself from catching the monkeypox virus?
It is important to the care of your own mental health along with others. This includes prevention and following the SOPs, including limited direct contact with someone you suspect of having symptoms. If anyone you know who has been affected should be encouraged to self-isolate. Last, wear a mask and frequently wash your hands to transmission from surfaces.