Reports of a new virus spreading around the world are breaking the Internet, and it’s called Monkeypox.
Australian parents are devastated: we have fought for COVID, we are crushed by an endless series of coughs and colds from daycare and school, and we are already worried about the threat of an intense flu season.
It’s Monkeypox another virus why should we panic?!?
What’s the story?
Smallpox is a very rare disease that is only seen in West and Central Africa, and it only occasionally rises around the world.
In recent weeks there has been an explosion of cases in Europe, including the United Kingdom, with a handful seen as far away as Canada and the States, with at least two confirmed cases in Australia.
The WHO and other major health organizations are calling for caution, reflecting on the reality of a global disaster.
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What is Monkeypox?
Smallpox is a disease caused by a virus that causes a smallpox-like rash.
The virus was first discovered in the 1950s in a troop of sick research monkeys, but is believed to have been circulating in Africa for thousands of years.
It is usually carried by small rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels, which are transmitted to humans after a scratch or bite. It can also be transmitted if people touch infected sores on their skin or secretions on the skin. But you can also contract it to eat undercooked meat (as long as the animal is already infected, of course!).
Most Monkeypox infections are asymptomatic, uh!
People with symptoms usually experience a relatively mild illness of aches, pains, fevers, headaches, and misery, which begins about two weeks after exposure. An eruption develops, progressing to small classic blisters (vesicles and pustules) that come and go for about four weeks. The rash begins in the trunk and then extends along the limbs to include the palms and soles of the feet.
Treatment usually focuses on hydration and pain relief for aches and pains. Antiviral drugs are used for more severe cases with good effects. In areas with poor medical services, mortality rates can reach 10%.
Why now?
Fortunately, the virus that is spreading across Europe seems quite standard, which means that we are not facing a new “mutant variant of superpower.” What seems to be happening is that we are witnessing an unusually high rate of person-to-person transmission.
Fortunately, Monkeypox is really very difficult to pass from person to person. This is because you have to come in direct contact with the virus from the infected blisters, which are very contagious.
It can be transmitted by breathing large droplets, but is much harder to catch than COVID or the flu, and requires very long contact with someone indoors.
Although Monkeypox is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, it is believed that the current outbreak in Europe is related to exposure in some rather unique sexual sites. I will leave that to the imagination of mom and dad!
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Do we need to panic?
No.
Australian families are very unlikely to face a major outbreak of Monkeypox. It is difficult to catch and we have treatments available. As with COVID, our incredible public health teams will monitor the situation and eagerly pursue contacts, quickly containing any case.
Prevention is possible with the use of smallpox vaccines, but we do not need to rush to get one.
In short: if you recently returned from Europe, you had a little “fun” while you were there, and now you’re sick, stay tuned. Isolate yourself from others and beware of classic blistering rashes.
If in doubt, consult your local doctor or hospital for a check-up.
Everyone just needs to be aware that this is out there and practice the good infection control measures we took from COVID. If someone in your family has a curious rash, check it out.
Read related topics: Health TipsVaccines