MONKEYPOX ALERT!!!!
Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those observed in smallpox patients as observed in the past even though they are less severe than smallpox.
Due to the ongoing human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with other patients is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection just as in the ebola case. The only way to reduce infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and sensitisation of the populace while educating them on the measures to be taken to avoid exposure to the virus as there is no known cure, previously the smallpox vaccination proved effective however smallpox vaccination has been stopped due to the eradication of smallpox sometime in 1980.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Wash hands regularly mostly when taking care of infected persons.
Wash hands regularly mostly when taking care of infected persons.
Gloves and protective wear should be worn when taking care of a monkeypox patient.
Avoid close contact with infected persons and probably animals.
Reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission by consuming only well cooked meat.
Gloves and other appropriate protective clothing should be worn while handling sick animals and their infected tissues mostly during slaughtering procedures.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected and/or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or those handling specimens from such medium should apply standard infection control precautions.
Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in a suitably equipped laboratory.
Healthcare workers and those treating or exposed to patients with monkeypox or their samples should be immunized against smallpox.
