Two more cases of Monkeypox discovered in New York City

As we try to navigate life in the post-Covid era we now have monkeypox to contend with.  According to a report from World Health Organization, 27 non-endemic countries have reported cases as of June 2, 2022. Here in the United States, the cases are slowly rising, causing some of us to wonder what the disease is and what the risk factors are.

At MiDoctor Health we provide comprehensive and general healthcare and medical services. As specialists in primary care and urgent care, we also place a strong emphasis on preventative medicine. In this article, we discuss monkeypox, the ways to prevent it and what you can do if you contract it.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox. It is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. It can also be transmitted from one person to another.

How did it get the name? Scientists discovered the virus in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research. The first human case was discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 12 years later.

Since these discoveries, immunologists, virologists and other experts have yet to identify the natural reservoir of the disease. They however have assured us that it is much less severe than smallpox and the chances of infection are low.

What are the Symptoms?

Generally, it takes five to 21 days for the symptoms to manifest. The infection usually clears up on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days.

The initial symptoms include:

• Fever, which is typically the first symptom
• Headaches
• Swellings
• Back pain
• Aching muscles

A rash can develop after the fever breaks, often starting on the face, then spreading to other body parts, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash, which can be exceedingly itchy or painful, worsens and goes through different phases until it finally forms scabs, which later fall off.

How is it Transmitted?

Like Covid-19, monkeypox can spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body via the respiratory tract, broken skin, or through the eyes, nose or mouth.

It can also be spread by contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels, or by virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding and clothing.

While it has not been classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed on during sex. A primary care physician and other medical professionals will advise infected persons to abstain from sex until they get better. They will also instruct persons with the virus to use condoms for eight weeks following their recovery.

How Can Your Primary Care Provider Help?

While there is no treatment for monkeypox at this time, you can rely on your primary care physician to prescribe antiviral medications to make things more bearable. You may also enquire about smallpox vaccines as these have been proven to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.

In between visits to your primary care doctor, you can apply the lessons we learned during the global covid-19 pandemic such as:

• Wear a mask while interacting with others
• Practise physical distancing
• Stay home for 14 days or more if infected and
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer

Need to Visit a Top Clinic in NY?

As the world braces for more monkeypox cases, you can look to resources to stay updated on developments. At MiDoctor Health we deem it necessary to share what we know about the disease so that you can protect yourselves as much as possible. We also take pride in offering you the best in primary care, urgent care and other medical services. Schedule an appointment with us today.