What You Need To Know About Monkeypox VirusMonkey pox is a viral zoonotic infection (transmitted from animals to humans) that si

milar to small pox, but less severe with milder rash.It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys (hence the name) and is transmissible via animal bites, contact with infected animal blood or bodily fluid, consumption of poorly cooked meat of infected animals and handling of infected animals.

The virus can be found in all bush animals, such as rats, squirrels and antelopes.

On Wednesday, Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa state Commissioner for Health confirmed 11 persons, including a medical doctor to be infected by the virus in Yenagoa.

It was also learnt that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC traced 49 persons, who were in contact with persons suspected to have also been infected.

The index patient was said to have killed and eaten a monkey was with other close contacts seen to have developed the rash.

However, Prof Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health on Thursday, warned Nigerians to avoid the consumption of monkeys, bush meat and dead animals to avoid the risk of contracting the disease.

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He said the virus was mild and there was no known treatment and no preventive vaccines, hence the public should be at alert and avoid crowded places as much as possible.

Symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pains, (backache), exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes are experienced a few days before appearance of the rash.

There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for monkeypox infection, but outbreaks can be controlled.

Some of the preventive measures include;

Avoid contact with dead animals that could harbor the virus, or their secretions.
Avoid materials that may have come in contact with infected animals
Cook meat adequately
Avoid intimate contact with infected persons.
Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizers.
Avoid sharing a bed, room or utensils with infected persons.
Report suspected cases to local authorities.

The disease is self-limiting, lasting 2 to 4 weeks and confers lifelong immunity on survivors.