KEY FACTS
>>Recently, cases of human monkeypox has been recorded in Bayelsa State and parts of southern Nigeria
>>This the third time, monkeypox outbreak will be recorded in the nation’s history. There were a total of 3 recorded human cases previously in 1971 and 1978 according to the Centres for Disease Control, CDC.
>>Monkeypox is a rare disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.
>>The monkeypox virus can cause a fatal illness in humans and, although it is similar to human smallpox which has been eradicated, it is much milder.
>>The monkeypox virus is transmitted to people from various wild animals but has limited secondary spread through human-to-human transmission.
>>There is no treatment or vaccine available although prior smallpox vaccination was highly effective in preventing monkeypox as well.



WHAT CAUSES MONKEYPOX
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, that belongs to the same family of viruses that includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. The natural reservoir remains unknown.

The Monkeypox virus can cause an illness with a generalised vesicular skin rash, fever, and painful jaw swelling. In previous outbreaks, it has led to death in about 1-10 per cent of infected cases. There is no specific medicine to treat the disease, but intensive supportive care helps patients to recover fully.

HOW TO PREVENT MONKEYPOX INFECTION
There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus:

>>Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
>>Always wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals or when caring for sick relatives humans or soiled beddings.
>>Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
>>Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
>>Thoroughly cooking all animal products (blood, meat) before eating.
>>Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
>>Preventing monkeypox expansion through restrictions on animal trade
>>Restricting or banning the movement of small African mammals and monkeys may be effective in slowing the expansion of the virus outside Africa.
>>Captive animals should not be inoculated against smallpox. Instead, potentially infected animals should be isolated from other animals and placed into immediate quarantine. Any animals that might have come into contact with an infected animal should be quarantined, handled with standard precautions and observed for monkeypox symptoms for 30 days.
>>Health care workers are strongly advised to practice universal precautions while handling patients and/or body fluids at all times.
>>They are also urged to be alert, be familiar with the symptoms and maintain a high index of suspicion. All suspected cases should be reported to the Local Government Area or State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers.

As long as universal infection prevention and control practices are strictly adhered to by all clinical staff, the chances of transmission are minimal.

Further information can be obtained from NCDC toll-free number: 0800–970000–10; SMS: 08099555577 Whatsapp: 07087110839. Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
Source: How to prevent monkeypox