Should I be worried about Monkeypox? And other FAQs
Khalik, S. (2019, May 21). Quarantine ends for 18 people who came into close contact with monkeypox patient: MOH. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/quarantine-ends-for-18-people-who-came-into-close-contact-with-monkeypox-patient-moh
- What exactly is monkeypox?
- Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals).
- This disease has been reported in areas central and western parts of Africa’s tropical rainforest.
- The 10 African countries that have had human cases of monkeypox reported are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gabon, and South Sudan.
- How does one get infected with monkeypox?
Monkeypox can be transmitted in two ways:
- Human-animal contact – Having direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals
- Human-human contact – Having close contact with infected respiratory tract secretions, skin lesions or objects recently contaminated by patient fluids
- What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
The onset of symptoms of monkeypox can range from 5 to 21 days from the time of infection. The symptoms can be divided into two phases:
- The invasion period (0-5 days) characterized by
- fever
- intense headache
- swelling of the lymph node
- back pain & muscle ache
- lack of energy
- The skin eruption period occurs 1-3 days after the appearance of fever. Skin rash will turn into blisters, then pustules, followed by crust formation. Common affected areas are the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Chong, A. (2019, May 22). The monkeypox detective: Doctor who helped identify Singapore’s first case was alerted by patient’s rashes. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/monkeypox-singapore-doctor-ncid-identify-patient-rashes-moh-11554012
- Is monkeypox a fatal disease?
- Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting disease with the symptoms lasting from 14 to 21 days.
- Cases of fatality has been reported to be 1-10% in documented events, mostly among young children.
- How is monkeypox diagnosed?
- Monkeypox is diagnosed by a doctor via taking a specimen are from the lesions (or blister)
- A doctor might also take your travel history
- Are there any treatments or vaccinations against monkeypox?
- There are no specific treatments or vaccines available for monkeypox infection
Kamis (2019, May 16). Indonesia Potentially Could Get Infected by Monkeypox. Retrieved from http://www.balipost.com/news/2019/05/16/75659/Indonesia-Potentially-Could-Get-Infected…html
- How do I protect myself from contracting monkeypox?
- Avoid contact with rodents and primates
- Avoid exposure to the blood or meat of these animals and do not consume its meat unless thoroughly cooked
- Avoid physical contact with monkeypox infected people or contaminated materials
- Gloves and protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill animals and ill people.
- Regular hand washing when visiting sick people
- Isolation of patients either at home or in health facilities is recommended.
- Are there any monkeypox cases in Singapore? What has been done by the Singapore Ministry of Health?
- One case of monkeypox was reported in Singapore on 9th May 2019
- The infected person is a Nigerian man who attended a workshop in Singapore on 28th April 2019
- Singaporean Health Ministry had taken preventive measures to minimise the spread of the disease, including putting 23 people who were believed to have had close contact with the infected patient under quarantine and monitoring their condition.
- Are there any monkeypox cases reported in Malaysia? What does the Malaysian Ministry of Health advise?
- There are currently no cases reported in Malaysia.
- The Singapore Health Ministry reported that no Malaysians had any contact with the monkeypox patient in Singapore,
- The Health Ministry of Malaysia will monitor the situation and is also advising tourists heading to central and west African countries to maintain strict hygiene practices, avoid touching infected wounds and wild animals as well as avoid eating bush meat.
References:
- Facts. World Health Organisation (WHO). (Web accessed May 2019) Web link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
- News article: Health Ministry rubbishes rumours of monkeypox outbreak in Malaysia. The Star Online. (22nd May 2019). Web link: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/22/health-ministry-rubbishes-rumours-of-monkeypox-outbreak-in-malaysia/
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