How to Treat Monkey Pox?

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox, akin to smallpox in early symptoms, emerged in 1958 during monkey research outbreaks, primarily affecting Central and West Africa, with sporadic global cases. Mpox, its counterpart, manifests as a rare viral illness with flu-like symptoms, chiefly in African regions but sporadically worldwide. It features fever, chills, and a persistent rash. Notably, no specific treatment exists for mpox, but it usually resolves spontaneously.

Why is Monkeypox a Concern?

1. Monkeypox is a concern due to its potential to cause outbreaks and its similarity to smallpox, which has been eradicated but could pose a threat if reintroduced.
2. While monkeypox is usually less severe than smallpox, it can still lead to serious illness in some cases.
3. The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
4. A characteristic rash often develops, which progresses to pustules and can be quite painful.
5. Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions, or contaminated objects such as clothing or bedding.
6. Although rare, monkeypox can be fatal, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

How to Treat Monkeypox?

Treating monkeypox involves managing symptoms, preventing complications, and isolating the infected person to prevent further transmission. Here are the steps involved in treating monkeypox:

1. Isolation: The first step in treating monkeypox is to isolate the infected person to prevent the spread of the virus to others. This involves placing the individual in a separate room with good ventilation and using infection control measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Healthcare workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for the patient.
2. Supportive Care: Monkeypox treatment primarily involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and help the patient recover. This includes administering pain relievers for fever and pain, maintaining adequate hydration, and ensuring proper nutrition. Rest is also essential for recovery.
3. Antiviral Medications: While there are no specific antiviral medications approved for monkeypox, some antiviral drugs, such as cidofovir and brincidofovir, have