A new disease names Monkeypox has surfaced in Bayelsa, South East of Nigeria, West Africa. The minister of health in Nigeria has warned Nigerians to avoid consuming bush meats and rodents, it has become imperative to sensitize the public about the infectious disease called monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980. However, monkeypox still occurs sporadically in some parts of Africa.

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). 

Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or Lesion Material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding. 

Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.

Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.

The illness begins with:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Backache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Chills

• Exhaustion

If you want to prevent Monkeypox, then follow the tips below:

• 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).

• 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.

• Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.

Sensitize your loved ones and the people around about the latest deadly disease to hit Nigeria, after Ebola and Lassa fever. Monekypox is deadly. Stay safe.