The recent Monkey pox outbreak in Bayelsa
State and parts of southern Nigeria is the third in the
nation’s history. There were a total of 3 recorded human cases previously in
1971 and 1978 according to the Centres for Disease Control, CDC.
The Monkey pox virus was first identified
in 1970 as the cause of a smallpox-like illness in humans in remote
African locations first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like
disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name
“monkeypox.”
The first recorded human case of monkeypox
was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of
intensified effort to eliminate smallpox. There were also reports of cases in
Liberia and Sierra Leone. The following year, 1971, there was 1 case in Cote
d’ivoire and 2 cases in Nigeria. Then in 1976 there were 2 cases in Cameroon
and again in Nigeria in 1978, 1 case was recorded. Since then monkeypox has
remains strictly a disease of Central and Western African countries, except in
2003, when 47 cases were reported in the USA.
The 2003 US outbreak is the only time
monkeypox infections in humans were documented outside of Africa. Most of
those affected had close contact with pet prairie dogs. The current outbreak in
Nigeria is of West African origin and associated with milder disease, fewer
deaths, and limited human-to-human transmission. Studies have shown that the
monkeypox virus can cause a fatal illness in humans and, although it is similar
to human smallpox which has been eradicated, it is much milder.
Following are things you should know about
monkeypox. Causes Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with
monkeypox virus, that belongs to the same family of viruses that includes
variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox
vaccine), and cowpox virus. The natural reservoir remains unknown.
However, African rodent species are expected to play a role in transmission.
The Monkeypox virus can cause an illness with a generalised vesicular skin
rash, fever, and painful jaw swelling.
In previous outbreaks, it has led to death in
about 1-10 per cent of infected cases. There is no specific medicine to treat
the disease, but intensive supportive care helps patients to recover fully.
Prevention Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with Monkeypox virus
include avoiding contact with infected animals especially those that are
sick or found dead in areas where Monkeypox occurs.
The public is advised to always wash hands
with soap and water after contact with animals or when caring for sick
relatives humans or soiled beddings. Health care workers are strongly advised
to practice universal precautions while handling patients and/or body fluids at
all times. They are also urged to be alert, be familiar with the symptoms and
maintain a high index of suspicion. All suspected cases should be reported to
the Local Government Area or State Disease Surveillance and Notification
Officers. “As long as universal infection prevention and control practices are
strictly adhered to by all clinical staff, the chances of transmission are
minimal.”
KEY FACTS
Transmission Usually by direct contact
with infected animals or possibly by eating poorly cooked meat from an infected
rodent or monkey.
Person-to-person transfer
Possible by infected respiratory
droplets possible but not often documented. Although infrequent, can be reduced
or prevented by avoiding direct physical contact with the patient and having
the patient’s caregivers wear gloves and face masks.
Diagnosis
A history of association with rodents
or other animals and presence of pox lesions is presumptive evidence for a
diagnosis of monkeypox. Infectious-disease consultants and personnel
should be notified. Definitive diagnosis is urged.
Risk factors
Animal
bites and scratches from infected animals. Eating any meat from such animals is
advised. Several species of mammals can be infected with monkeypox, even though
the species had never been associated with the virus in their normal
environment.
Signs & Symptoms
Source: Vanguard
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