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780 active Monkeypox cases globally

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By Dawn

A recent report on active international Monkeypox cases is concerning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 780 laboratory-confirmed cases of Monkeypox from 27 countries across four WHO regions. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The natural reservoir for the virus is believed to be wild primates in Africa, although the exact source of the current outbreak is unknown. It is a viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The incubation period (the time from exposure to onset of symptoms) is typically 7 to 14 days, but can be as long as 21 days.

WHO has assessed the global risk of Monkeypox as moderate. This is due to the fact that many cases and clusters have been reported in both non-endemic and endemic countries. The WHO cites the following reasons for this assessment: the high number of cases and clusters reported in non-endemic countries in recent years, the increased global movement of people and animals, and the close similarity between Monkeypox and Smallpox (which is a highly contagious disease). The WHO recommends that all countries strengthen their surveillance systems and take measures to prevent and control the disease.

Virus can be spread from person to person.

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is characterized by the development of a distinctive rash. The illness is typically spread through contact with an infected animal, such as a monkey or ape. In rare cases, the virus can be spread from person to person. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It starts as small red spots that progress to larger bumps filled with fluid. Monkeypox is usually a mild disease, but in rare cases it can be severe.

Most cases of the disease have been reported through sexual health or other health services. The World Health Organization is still investigating the outbreak, but it appears to mainly involve men who have sex with men. This virus is closely related to smallpox and is usually spread through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal. Symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, rash, and body aches. In severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. There is no specific treatment currently, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery.

Smallpox vaccine has been shown to be effective.

This virus is commonly found in West and Central Africa. However, most confirmed cases with travel history have been reported in Europe and North America. The Monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and is most closely related to the smallpox virus. This ailment is thought to cause this disease that is similar to smallpox, although generally less severe. Monkeypox is typically a self-limited illness, with most patients recovering within 2-4 weeks. However, it can occasionally be associated with more severe illness, including Pneumonia and death. There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox and no vaccine is currently available. However, smallpox vaccine has been shown to be effective in people who have received the Smallpox vaccine. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, which then prevents the virus from infecting the body. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.

There is a low risk to human health and for the general public at the current time, but this could potentially become high if this virus manages to establish itself in non-endemic countries as a widespread human pathogen. If this were to happen, it would likely pose a significant threat to public health, as it would be much harder to control and contain. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, and to take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus if possible.

It is essential that we continue to invest in research.

Research plays a critical role in our efforts to combat diseases like COVID-19 Through clinical studies, we can assess the effectiveness of potential vaccines and treatments. And by better understanding the epidemiology and transmission of the disease, we can develop more targeted strategies to prevent its spread. It is essential that we continue to invest in research so that we can make progress against these diseases. Only through a comprehensive and ongoing effort will we be able to find the solutions we need.


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