MONKEY POX AT A GLANCE
Monkey pox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals).
GENERAL INFO
ABOUT IT
TRANSMISSION
SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
THINGS TO DO IF RECOVERING AT HOME
MENTAL HEALTH
PRECAUTIONARY TIPS
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Monkey pox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. It can be severe sometimes.
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Fatality ratio ranges from 3–6%.
Monkey pox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Fever, Intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, myalgia (muscle aches) and intense asthenia (lack of energy).
Detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test.
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It is mainly supportive symptom management..
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Patients should be offered fluids and food to maintain adequate nutritional status.
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Secondary bacterial infections should be treated.
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Individuals exposed to the virus, temperature and symptoms should be monitored twice per day for 21 days.
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Clean your hands before and after touching lesions.
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Keep the rash dry and uncovered.
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Rinse the lesions in your mouth with salt water.
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Use paracetamol to manage the discomfort of lesions upon the doctor's advice.
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Take care of your mental health.
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Do not take too much of stress.
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Stay connected with your friends and family.
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Do things which calm your mind.
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Reach out for support if needed.
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Contact with sick or dead animals should be avoided.
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All foods containing animal meat or parts need to be properly cooked before eating.
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Close contact with infected people or contaminated materials should be avoided.
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Gloves and other personal protective clothing and equipment should be worn while taking care of the sick, whether in a health facility or in the home.
SOURCE: WHO/CDC/NCBI