08/01/2022
Monkeypox : What You Need to Know
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the original source of this disease remains unknown.
The Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, or the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to the symptoms of smallpox, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
The signs and symptoms of monkeypox can include:
fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes , chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough), or a rash that may be located near the ge****ls. The rash may also occur on your hands, feet, chest, or back.
According to the CDC, you may experience all or only a few symptoms. “Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Other only experience a rash.”
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later. The CDC also states “Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.”
How does monkeypox spread? It can be spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin to skin contact, including: 1) Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. 2) Touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox. 3) Contact with respiratory secretions.
In order to protect yourself from contracting monkeypox, follow these guidelines provided by the CDC. Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash. Do not touch the scabs of a person with monkeypox. Avoid contact with objects or materials that have come into contact with someone who has monkeypox. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
On July 29th, the Indiana Department of health announced that a total of 45 monkeypox cases have been reported between June 18 and July 28. It has now risen to 49. The current total of monkeypox cases across the United States is 5,189.
To date, the state of Indiana has received 3,232 doses of the Jynneos Vaccine. Due to limited vaccine supply, vaccines are being prioritized for close contacts of positive cases to prevent severe disease.
