Monkeypox – What you need to know and learn

Since May 2022, cases of MonkeyPox have been reported in various countries including Sudan.

WHO declared Monkeypox as a global health emergency on 23 July2 022.
 
Here are some key facts about monkeypox that you need to know and learn in order to protect yourself and your loved ones. Familiarizing yourself with key facts from reliable sources like UNICEF and the World Health Organization is critical to addressing rumours and misinformation. Additional updates on monkeypox will be provided as they become available. 

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral zoonotic infection, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person.

It has symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. 

Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas. Animal hosts include a range of rodents and non-human primates.

How does MonkeyPox spread?

• Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.
• Monkeypox virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, face-to-face contact with an infected person, mouth-to-skin contact with an infected person and touching infected beddings, clothing and objects.
• A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

What are the symptoms of MonkeyPox?

Symptoms of monkeypox may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes. 
• This is followed or accompanied by the development of a rash on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body, which can last for two to three weeks. 

You may experience all or only a few symptoms:

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

How long do Monkeypox symptoms last?

• The symptoms may last two to three weeks and usually go away on their own or with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever.
• People remain infectious until all the lesions have crusted over, the scabs fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.

How can I avoid the risk of infection?

• Reduce your risk of catching monkeypox by limiting close contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox, or with animals who could be infected. 
• Clean and disinfect environments that could have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is infectious regularly. 
• Keep yourself informed about monkeypox in your area and have open conversations with those you come into close contact (especially sexual contact) with about any symptoms you or they may have.
• If you think you might have monkeypox, you can act to protect others by seeking medical advice and isolating from others until have been evaluated and tested.

What is the treatment for MonkeyPox?

People with monkeypox should follow the advice of their health care provider. Symptoms normally resolve on their own without the need for treatment. If needed, medication for pain (analgesics) and fever (antipyretics) can be used to relieve some symptoms.  It is important for anyone with monkeypox to stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep. 

Can children catch MonkeyPox?

Children can catch monkeypox if they have close contact with someone who has symptoms.  Data from previously affected countries show that children are typically more prone to severe disease than adolescents and adults. There have been a small number of children with monkeypox in the current outbreak.

Sources

Monkeypox - Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Monkeypox outbreak - World Health Organization