Monkeypox Re-Emerges: What You Need to Know
Situation at a Glance
As of May 13, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of monkeypox from 23 non-endemic member states. There is no clear link between the reported cases and travel from endemic countries or infected animals.
Despite the lack of a clear link, the WHO has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of alarm under international health law.
US Adults' Knowledge of Monkeypox Declines
A recent survey has found that US adults no longer know as much about monkeypox as they did during the outbreak of 2022. This decline in knowledge is concerning, as public awareness is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease.
Causes and Transmission
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that can spread to the face, hands, and feet.
Monkeypox in History
Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 in a colony of laboratory monkeys. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In 2022, there was a large outbreak of monkeypox in countries that had not previously reported the disease. This outbreak raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread more widely.
Vaccination and Treatment
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the smallpox vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing the disease.
People who have been exposed to monkeypox may be given the smallpox vaccine as a preventative measure. Treatment for monkeypox is supportive, and includes managing symptoms and providing fluids.
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