Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. The symptoms in humans are similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past. However, since the eradication of smallpox in the world in 1980, smallpox has disappeared, and monkeypox is still distributed in some parts of Africa.
Monkeypox occurs in monkeys in the rainforests of central and western Africa. It can also infect other animals and occasionally human beings. The clinical manifestation was similar to smallpox, but the disease was mild. This disease is caused by monkeypox virus. It belongs to a group of viruses including smallpox virus, the virus used in smallpox vaccine and cowpox virus, but it needs to be distinguished from smallpox and chickenpox. This virus can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct close contact, and can also be transmitted from person to person. The main routes of infection include blood and body fluids. However, monkeypox is far less infectious than smallpox virus.
The monkeypox epidemic in 2022 was first detected in the UK on May 7, 2022 local time. On May 20 local time, with more than 100 confirmed and suspected monkeypox cases in Europe, the World Health Organization confirmed to hold an emergency meeting on monkeypox.
On may29,2022 local time, who issued a disease information circular and assessed the global public health risk of monkeypox as medium.
The official website of CDC in the United States pointed out that common household disinfectants can kill monkeypox virus. Avoid contacting animals that may carry virus. In addition, wash hands with soapy water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer after contacting infected people or animals. It is also recommended to wear protective equipment when caring for patients. Avoid eating or handling wild animals or game. It is recommended not to travel to areas where monkeypox virus infection occurs.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment. The treatment principle is to isolate patients and prevent skin lesions and secondary infections.
Prognosis
General patients recovered in 2 ~ 4 weeks.
Prevention
1. prevent monkeypox from spreading through animal trade
Restricting or banning the movement of African small mammals and monkeys can effectively slow down the spread of the virus outside Africa. Captive animals should not be vaccinated against smallpox. Infected animals should be isolated from other animals and quarantined immediately. Animals that may have come into contact with infected animals should be quarantined for 30 days and the symptoms of monkeypox should be observed.
2. reduce the risk of human infection
When monkeypox occurs, the most important risk factor for monkeypox virus infection is close contact with other patients. In the absence of specific treatment and vaccine, the only way to reduce human infection is to raise awareness of risk factors and carry out publicity and education to make people aware of the measures that may be required to reduce virus exposure.
Post time: Jun-08-2022