Monkeypox Detected in UK - Another Pandemic?
The UKHSA said monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people and is usually a mild disease and most people recover within a few weeks
We are living in 2022, and it seems like this is a decade of diseases and viruses.
The United Kingdom health authorities have now confirmed a case of monkeypox. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox. But it is much less severe and chances of infection are low. It occurs mostly in remote and dense forest parts of central and west African countries. Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles. Then there is a rash on parts of the body. The rash can be extremely itchy, changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The lesions can cause scarring. The infection usually clears up on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days. Monkeypox can be spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth. It can also be spread by contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels, or by virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding and clothing. Most cases of the virus are mild, sometimes resembling chickenpox, and clear up on their own within a few weeks. Monkeypox can sometimes be more severe and has been reported to have caused deaths. There is no treatment for monkeypox, but outbreaks can be controlled by infection prevention. Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox, and is still sometimes used.
In the UK till date four cases have been found and are increasing. Two of the infected patients travelled from Nigeria. The third case was a healthcare worker who picked up the virus from one of the patients. Fourth case the details are not known. The Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said monkeypox does not spread easily between people and is usually a mild “self-limiting illness” and most people recover within a few weeks. The health authorities also stated that they are further tracking down the passengers and people who might have come in contact with the infected patients. Even though monkeypox cannot be transmitted easily from one person to another, the introduction of a new virus and disease every now and then is definitely shocking and fearsome.
