Monkeypox or Mpox is a health condition caused by the virus orthopoxvirus. Transmission can occur through contact with people or animals infected with this virus. The beginning of the transmission process occurs when a person interacts with animals such as squirrels, monkeys or mice that carry the virus, either through scratches or bites.
To better understand monkeypox, see the following article to find out the symptoms, causes and how to treat monkeypox.
Symptoms that Appear When Infected with Monkeypox
Signs of monkeypox infection usually appear within 5-21 days after exposure to the monkeypox virus. Initial symptoms include:
- Body temperature increases
- Easily tired or weak
- Shivering
- Headache
- Muscles feel sore
- Swollen lymph nodes, which can be detected through lumps in the neck, armpits or groin
Usually, the initial phase of monkeypox symptoms lasts 1-3 days or more. After this period, a rash appears on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs. Then this rash will turn into a nodule filled with fluid and then become pus. If not soontreated, these nodules will burst and form a crust on the skin, and ultimately can cause open wounds on the surface of the skin.
Causes of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a viral infection of a virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, part of Orthopoxvirus.
Initially, researchers detected this disease when an outbreak emerged from a group of monkeys used in research activities. Therefore, this disease is known as monkeypox.
Not only can it be transmitted through monkeys, but also through some rodents such as rats and squirrels which can be infected and transmit this disease to humans. Although the risk is relatively low, this smallpox condition can also spread from human to human.
How to Treat Monkeypox
Treatment for monkeypox is currently not generally available. The symptoms that appear are generally mild and can heal on their own within 2-4 weeks.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, smallpox vaccines can be used. Several countries have also adopted the use of tecovirimat as an effort to overcome this disease. Tecovirimat works by inhibiting the development and spread of the monkeypox virus. However, the use of this drug is limited to adult patients weighing ≥40 kg and children weighing ≥13 kg.
It is important to note that monkeypox sufferers need to be treated in an isolation room for monitoring by medical personnel and preventing disease transmission.
References:
https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/cacar-monyet#h-pengobatan-cacar-monyet
https://www.alodokter.com/cacar-monyet
https://www.biofarma.co.id/id/announcement/detail/cacar-monyet-penyebab-gejala-dan-pencegahan-
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