Monkeypox Cases are Rising: How Can We Prevent It?

According to Our World in Data, between May 6 and June 2, 2022, there were 782 confirmed cases of monkeypox spread across 27 countries.

Cases have increased significantly in recent weeks, as shown in the graph.

Monkeypox is caused by the MPXV virus, which is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, while the first human case occurred in 1970.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox was initially only found in West and Central Africa.

However, monkeypox transmission is now occurring outside its original region and has spread to countries in Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Mexico, and Israel.

Preventing the Spread of Monkeypox

The WHO states that the monkeypox virus can spread through blood, bodily fluids, saliva, and physical contact with an infected person.

Early-stage symptoms appear 1-3 days after initial infection and may include high fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, weakness, and a fluid-filled rash.

The monkeypox rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms, and soles of the feet. However, the rash can also appear in the mouth, genitals, and eye area.

The following are preventative measures against monkeypox transmission according to the WHO:

* Avoid close contact and physical contact with people showing monkeypox symptoms.
* Wear a mask if in close contact with symptomatic individuals.
* Wash hands with soap or hand sanitizer after contact with symptomatic individuals.
* Wash hands with soap or hand sanitizer after touching objects in public spaces/objects that may have been touched by symptomatic individuals.
* If you experience symptoms, immediately self-isolate at home and contact the nearest healthcare facility.

According to the WHO, monkeypox symptoms typically last 2-4 weeks and may resolve on their own without specific treatment.

The disease can also cause medical complications or serious symptoms in some immunocompromised individuals, but fatalities are rare.

(Read Also: 5 Countries with the Highest Number of Monkeypox Cases in May 2022)