Ankit kumar Helps another

10/03/2023

The head is the uppermost part of the human body that contains the brain, sensory organs, and main sensory nerves. It is connected to the neck, which supports and connects it to the rest of the body. The human head includes the skull, which protects the brain, as well as the face, which houses the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. The head also includes the scalp, which covers the skull and contains hair follicles, as well as various muscles and blood vessels that allow for movement and circulation.

24/05/2022

ABOUT MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

Monkeypox is a disease caused by Monkeypox virus. The first outbreak happened in 1958 in Congo D.R in monkeys, hence the name. Thereafter, the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the same country. Since then it has been endemic to most west-African countries but majority of the cases have been in Congo D.R. Zambia has never recorded a documented case of monkeypox infection.

Currently, more than 13 European and western countries have recorded increased numbers of the infection signifying the rise in transmission rate of this viral infection.

The natural reservoir (where it naturally lives) of the virus is still unknown but rodents and non-human primates like monkeys have been known to harbor the virus and infect humans.

TRANSMISSION

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into close contact with bodily fluids or blood of an infected person, rodent, monkey or eating products of animals that might be infected. Therefore, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis.
Fomites (materials/objects contaminated with the virus) like door handles, bedding or clothing can also be a source of the infection.

Other human to human transmissions include inhalation of respiratory droplets (especially via sneezing) of an infected person. Otherwise transmission via respiratory droplets requires prolonged face-to-face contact.
It might also be transmitted from the mother to the unborn baby, which is called Congenital Monkeypox.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

The incubation period is usually 5 to 21days but may begin on the first day of infection.
The infected person may present with;

1. Body hotness (fever)
2. Headaches
3. Muscle pains
4. Back pains
5. Chills
6. Feeling tired (Exhaustion)

SIGNS
1. Swollen lymph nodes (Lymphadenopathy)
2. A characteristic rash (about 2-5mm) that develops within 1 to 3 days from the time of infection. It starts from the face then spreads to other body parts especially the hands and feet.

PREVENTION.
Hygiene is key!
1. Avoid contact with animals that might harbor the virus
2. Avoid materials that might harbor viral formites and/or regularly hand sanitize with a alcohol based hand sanitizer.
3. Isolate infected persons
4. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when caring for the patients
5. Avoid unnecessary travels to places that have the outbreak

TREATMENT
Currently, there is no proven safe treatment of monkeypox infection. Therefore, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. In less severe cases, the infection is self-limited and symptoms will only last for 2-4weeks.
Smallpox vaccines (since smallpox virus is in the same genus as monkeypox virus) may be used for the purposes of preventing outbreaks. Other similar viral immunoglobulins or antivirals may also be used

23/05/2022