Monkey Pox Symptoms, How to avoid monkeypox in Nigeria

Monkeypox is a viral infection that poses a serious threat to humanity. Though not so common, it is a significant public health concern, especially in a place like Nigeria where outbreaks have occurred in recent years. In this article we will learn about the Monkey Pox virus, Mpox symptoms and preventive measures. Learning about monkeypox can help protect you and your loved ones.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans and vice versa. Mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus from the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Although Monkeypox may be less severe than smallpox, it can still lead to serious health issues and even death.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Knowing about the symptoms of monkeypox is crucial so as to easily detect when you or someone around you have been infected. Mpox symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The illness begins with symptoms similar to other viral infections, making it crucial to recognize the specific signs that point to Monkeypox. Below are some symptoms you should look out for:

1. Fever: One of the earliest symptoms of Monkeypox is a sudden fever, which can be high and persistent.
2. Headache: Along with fever, a severe headache is a common symptom, often described as throbbing or pressure-like.
3. Muscle Aches: Muscle pain, especially in the back and neck, can occur.
4. Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness or exhaustion is often reported.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin is a distinctive symptom that helps differentiate Monkeypox from other viral infections like chickenpox or measles.
6. Rash: A few days after the fever begins, a rash develops. It often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash goes through several stages, from flat lesions to raised bumps, vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules (pus-filled blisters), and eventually crusts that fall off.
7. Lesions: The rash can progress to form lesions, which may be painful. These lesions eventually scab over and heal, but the process can take 2 to 4 weeks.

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How to Avoid Monkeypox in Nigeria

Knowing the symptoms without knowing the prevention is like offering medicine after death. In fact, you should pay more attention to the preventive measure below. Preventing Monkeypox requires a combination of personal hygiene, environmental management, and public health measures.

Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:

1. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Since Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Avoid touching animals that could carry the virus, such as rodents (like rats, mice, and squirrels) and non-human primates (like monkeys).
2. Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is essential, especially after contact with animals or potentially contaminated materials. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Avoid Contact with Infected Individuals: Monkeypox can also spread from person to person through direct contact with infectious lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. Avoid close physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of Monkeypox, such as a rash or fever.
4. Cook Animal Products Thoroughly: If you consume animal products such as bush meat, ensure they are thoroughly cooked, as the virus can be transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat or animal products from infected animals.
5. Report Suspected Cases: If you or someone you know shows symptoms of Monkeypox, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and isolation of cases are crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.
6. Vaccination: While there is no specific vaccine for Monkeypox, the smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection. If you are in a high-risk group or an area with an outbreak, consult with a healthcare provider about the possibility of vaccination.