Introduction

Monkeypox is a rare but fatal viral  illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Although mpox were originally detected in 1958, the first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Monkeypox has recently become a global issue as it has expanded beyond its endemic locations in Central and West Africa. The disease can be transmitted from animal to human and, less frequently, from human to human.

Given the potential for outbreaks, parents must fully comprehend the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of monkeypox in order to protect their children and themselves. Ensuring quick detection and preventative actions can help to lower the risk of infection and restrict the virus's spread. 

What is Monkeypox

Monkey is a rare but potentially fatal viral disease caused by monkeypox virus. Monkeypox appears as lesions or rash on skin, then filled with pus, just like smallpox but with milder severity. This disease usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. The most infected people are those who have compromised immune systems, children, and pregnant women. This disease initially sprouted out from West and Central Africa, but recently due to its global outbreaks, it has become a public health concern.

Transmission

A few ways of transmission of monkeypox are,

• From animal to human with the direct contact of infected animals’ blood fluids and skin bruises. 
• From human to human through close contact with skin, lesions, respiratory secretions, and other contaminated objects.  
• This virus can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, but this case is rare. 
• Last but not least, monkeypox can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated places, used needles, and especially where proper hygiene is not followed. 

Symptoms

This disease may last from 7 to 14 days but in some cases, can extend from 5 to 21 days depending upon the person's immune system. Some of the common symptoms of monkeypox are,

• Flue
• Low energy
• Muscle fatigue
• Headache
• Rash
• Temperature
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Back pain

After the initial symptoms, a rash often appears on the face and spreads to other regions of the body within a few days.

The rash progresses through many stages:

• Macules are flat lesions
• Papules are raised lesions
• Vesicles are fluid-filled lesions
• Pustules are lesions filled with pus
• Finally, Crust over

The disease normally lasts two to four weeks. While most instances are moderate, severe cases can occur, especially in small children, pregnant women, and those with weaker immune systems.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing monkeypox is somewhat difficult because of its similarity with diseases like measles and chickenpox. Some of the laboratory tests are as follows,

PCR Tests:

The primary approach for verifying monkeypox is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which is often done on lesion samples.

Blood Tests:

Blood tests can identify the virus or antibodies, although they are less typically employed because of the lower viral load in blood than in lesions.

Clinical Evaluation:

A complete clinical assessment is required, taking into account the patient's previous exposure history, travel to endemic locations, and symptoms.

Treatment

The aim of treating mpox involves managing pain, rash and avoiding further complications. Early detection and care play a vital role in managing mpox symptoms. Some of the ways to treat mpox include, 

• Managing fever and discomfort
• Monitor your hydration level
• Ensuring supportive care such as bed rest.
• Vaccination is not usually advised for the general population, although it may be considered for people at high risk or in reaction to an epidemic.
• Most people recover without sequelae; however, severe instances may necessitate hospitalization.
• The mortality rate is greater in children and people with compromised immune systems.

How to Protect You and Your Kids

Here are some preventive measures to protect you and your kids from getting infected from mpox, 

What To Do

• First always consult with your doctor for advice
• Always stay at home and make you isolated from all other members
• Always wash your hands with soap before and after touching your lesions
• Wear a mask, keep a proper distance and cover your lesions if you are around other people
• When you are alone, keep your skin uncovered to let the lesions dry
• Avoid touching items in disinfected and shared places
• Use saltwater for the sores in your mouth
• Take warm bath with Epsom salts to treat body lesions
• Take medicines for pain like ibuprofen, and paracetamol

What Not to Do

• Do not scratch or pop your blisters, it can slow down the healing process and also spread the infection to other parts of the body
• Do not use scrape off until your scabs have healed properly, and you have new skin

Conclusion

Though mpox is rare, its global outbreaks require awareness and precaution, especially for parents. Thorough understanding of the virus transmission, symptoms, treatment and protection strategies is very crucial for parents and the general population to combat this outbreak. Bebambi is always here for you to keep you updated on any risks that may affect you and your children. So, keep in touch with our latest blogs for more baby health issues and their solutions.