If you have been following the news recently, you would have heard of monkeypox.

I am sure you are wondering what on earth that is. Well, monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus. The virus is in the same genus as smallpox and cowpox.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, there is an ongoing outbreak in Bayelsa state and health officials are doing their best to contain it. They also advised that members of the public are familiar with the symptoms and signs.

Now, there is no reason for you to fret, you only need to be cautious. You should not be anxious because even though the virus can cause a fatal illness in humans, it is less deadly than smallpox and not in anyway as dangerous as Ebola.

You should be cautious though, for several reasons:

#1. It can be gotten from eating bush meat.

Monkeypox is a disease that primarily affects animals like rodents and monkeys. One way this disease can be transferred is by eating an infected animal.
I know bushmeat is a delicacy in many places in Nigeria, but it is advisable to stay away from eating bush meat till the current outbreak ends.

#2. It can be spread from person-to-person.

Even though human outbreaks of monkeypox are primarily triggered by close contact with infected animals, the disease can be spread from an infected person to members of the public.
Close contact blood, body fluids and rash of an infected person can spread the virus.
This is why care must be taken and everyone needs to be aware, so as to report any cases to the relevant health authority. It’s also not the time to self-medicate. If you have any fevers, feel ill or have a rash, please get checked and ask questions or see a doctor in order to ensure that you don’t have the disease.

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#3. It can sometimes kill.

In some serious cases, monkeypox can cause death. It is known to cause death in less than 10% of people who contract it. It can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to a lower blood pressure, and probable death (The normal blood pressure that is checked with the best stethoscope and sphygmomanometer is 120/80 mmHg in Men and 110/70 mmHg in women).
As stated earlier, it is not as deadly as Ebola virus but that doesn’t mean we should treat it with less attention. It is important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe during this outbreak.

#4. There is no specific treatment nor available vaccine.

At the moment, there is no specific medication or vaccine to tackle the spread of the disease. This is why you must understand the steps to ensure you are not infected.

Here are some tips for you:
Don’t eat bushmeat during this period
Wash your hands regularly or use a hand sanitizer optimally
Avoid close contact with sick animals.
Avoid close contact with infected persons.
Ensure you read the news and follow up on updates.

Stay safe everyone.