6 Important Facts About The Monkeypox Virus and Its Transmission

 

The Monkeypox virus is an outbreak that gained traction this 2022. Not wanting to

catch a breath from the disastrous coronavirus pandemic which has plagued the

entire world for years now — albeit showing a slow sign of progress and recovery,

the monkeypox crisis is yet another nail in the coffin in an already chaotic

environment that the entire planet is currently suffering from at the moment.

But as experts continue to examine and analyze the true risks and dangers of the

monkeypox virus, an infectious disease that commonly causes rashes and severe

lesions to sufferers that can leave scars if left untreated for long, it’s a personal duty

for a person to know the real facts about the monkeypox virus and its transmission

in order to prevent its further spread. Here are six facts about the disease you

should learn about.

6. Spreads Through Contact

Monkeypox can be transmitted through physical contact. Several ways to catch the

virus include direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated

surfaces such as beds and clothing, and getting a bite from an infected animal.

5. Can Affect Everyone

Monkeypox does not primarily target a specific group of people, the virus affects

people of all ages from all walks of life. But, as with any other viral disease, those

with weaker immune systems such as minors and the elderly at are a higher risk of

catching monkeypox.

4. Smallpox Vaccines Can Help

Since monkeypox comes from the same family as smallpox, vaccines for the latter

have been proven to be effective for the current outbreak. Based on current data,

the smallpox vaccines ACAM2000 and JYNNEOS have an estimated 85% efficacy rate

against monkeypox.

3. Monkeypox Disappears If The Rashes Permanently Go Away

Even if you feel better after catching monkeypox for a while, experts have

concluded that a person is only cleared from “infected” status if the rashes caused

by the virus have completely gone away — meaning that the rashes have dried up

and have fallen off, and no other rashes surface after some time.

2. Isolate If Found Positive

Similar to the prevention measures placed for the COVID-19 pandemic, the only

way to curb the transmission of monkeypox if a person is found to be positive for

the disease is immediate isolation. And one should do so until all symptoms have

cleared up fully.

1. It Is Rarely Fatal

Medical experts have declared that the current variant of the monkeypox virus we

are currently dealing with is — for the most part — not fatal. While groups such as

the unvaccinated and those with weaker immune systems are obviously more

prone to catching the virus, the recorded number of deaths from monkeypox is

very low.

By Neil Gregorio

Neil Gregorio is a graduating university student who writes as a hobby; when he is away

from the keyboard, he spends his time watching Japanese animated shows and jamming

out to his favorite rock music.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-gregorio/

Portfolio: https://www.clippings.me/neilgregorio