July 15, 2022:

Things you need to know about Monkeypox

What is Monkeypox:
As per World Health Organization (WHO) it is a viral zoonotic infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It is an illness, which can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox (/topic/symptoms-of-monkeypox)?
Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes are the most common symptoms of monkeypox (/topic/symptoms-of-monkeypox). This is followed or accompanied by the development of a rash which can last for two to three weeks. The rash can be found on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body. The number of lesions can range from one to several thousand.

How does monkeypox spread?
The illness can spread from person to person and also from animal to person. The illness can spread to people when they come into physical contact with an infected animal. Animal hosts include rodents and primates.

Who is at risk of catching monkeypox (/topic/risk-of-catching-monkeypox)?
People who live with or have close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who has monkeypox, or who has regular contact with animals who could be infected. 

How can I protect myself and others against monkeypox?
One can reduce the risk of catching monkeypox (/topic/risk-of-catching-monkeypox) by limiting close contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox, or with animals who could be infected. The contaminated environments need to be cleaned and disinfected.  Seek medical advice if you think you might have monkeypox and isolate yourselves until tested or evaluated.