With approximately 16, 000 cases worldwide, Monkey Pox virus has been declared by the World Health Organization as a public health emergency of international concern. Unlike the coronavirus, little has been known about this virus.
Monkey pox is similar to small pox as both belong to the Orthopoxvirus family. Although not as fatal or communicable as the small pox, experts claim that it could potentially mutate and pose greater threat to humans. It was first discovered in colonies of monkeys in 1958, however, the first monkey pox outbreak was initially tied to prairie dogs that first came into contact with infected rodents including squirrels, mice and rats.
Some signs and symptoms of the virus includes fever, headaches, muscle aches, rashes, pus-filled blisters and lack of energy. The rashes can look like pimples that spreads all over the body including feet, hands, genitals and inside the mouth.
According to experts, the version of Monkey pox spreading across the globe is not deadly. If infected, 99% of patients are expected to survive but it can be fatal for children under the age of 8 years old.
The virus can spread through physical contact including touching the rashes and exchange of bodily fluids like saliva. Using items or touching surfaces shared by someone infected by Monkey Pox must be also avoided at all cost.
By: Joanna Cabredo