Monkeypox: A New Epidemic?

A new epidemic is on the horizon. This time it is not bats but monkeys. As Europe and various countries have successfully reduced the amount of coronavirus infection cases, new viruses and illnesses are still emerging. It is not clear where such illnesses are coming from. Are these viruses naturally occurring from the animal world or are they the products of scientists in the laboratory? If they are, what is the purpose? Knowing where illnesses come from and how they appeared originally is probably a step in the direction of preventing their spread. There have been so many viruses and contagious diseases in Europe during recent years and each seems to be named after an animal. After pig flu, bird flu, and a virus said to be from bats it is now time for another animal flu to infect humans. Monkeypox cases have recently been showing in various places in Europe. According to the chair of a World Health Organisation expert Dr. David Heymann, this illness represents “a random event” that may have begun amongst the make gay and bisexual community at two raves in Spain and Belgium. The disease is said to be related to smallpox and was previously only seen amongst people with links to central and West Africa. This demonstrates that it probably a naturally occurring virus and if it is related to smallpox the treatment may be similar. There are suggestions for a vaccine to be used.

Amongst the symptoms that may demonstrate the presence of infection are fever, body aches, and fatigue. There may also be unusual lesions or rashes. The UKHSA recommends that anyone who appears to be at high risk for being infected should self isolate for 21 days, avoid travelling and avoid contact with people with weak immune systems, pregnant women and children under twelve.

Fortunately the virus does not appear to be as lethal as the coronavirus and as yet, I have not come across reports of deaths relating to it. It also seems not to be as contagious as the coronovirus and it is not common to catch the virus from those infected, although it is possible through close physical contact such as having relations, touching clothing, bedding, towels or other items used by an infected person. This indicates the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in preventing infection and the spread of the virus.

As of Tuesday 24 May there were 131 confirmed cases and another 106 suspected cases in 19 countries claims the World Health Organisation. Who claims they are considering holding meetings with member countries to discuss how they can deal with the infection.

Experts warn that there is a worry that humans could pass the disease to their pets who may infect wildlife and that could lead to an epidemic in Europe. At the present time there have been 36 cases detected in the UK which brings the number of confirmed cases to 56 and more cases are expected to rise. It is spread through community transmission and cases are now reported on a daily basis.

With the increase in viruses and contagious disease it seems wise to try to keep to the protocols as recommended during the coronovirus pandemic, such as practising good hygiene, cleaning over surface tops and regular hand washing.

Looking after the immune system such as eating healthily and making sure to get enough vitamin C, D, A, Eband B vitamins from food, getting enough sunlight, exercise, relaxation and sleep help our immune systems to function at their best.

However, the best way to avoid such illnesses is to avoid the causes of them and to take precautions to avoid the cause of infection and spreading.