What is monkeypox? A new pandemic?

The smallpox smallpox reminded us that we are not immune to disease, even if there are some that we thought were under control.

What? How does it affect you? How is it treated? After the coronavirus pandemic, it is understandable why people are looking anxiously at the monkey's smallpox, which is characterized by severe symptoms and could cause serious problems.

This disease causes a rash that first appears on the face and then on the hands, similar to chickenpox, but which persists long, long enough to infect those with whom you share the bed; it is also taken if you use personal items in common.

The disease is not new. Monkeypox is especially known in West Central Africa. The problem now is that it has started to spread quite a bit in Europe and the United States among those who did not come from African areas where there are already small outbreaks.
Smallpox has recently been reported in 15 countries. France, Belgium and Germany announced the first cases on Friday, while the United Kingdom has already confirmed 20 cases of monkeypox, and Spain 30.

What are your symptoms if you have monkeypox?

The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of the flu, but the consequences of lack of treatment kill up to 10% of patients.

Symptoms for those who have contracted monkeypox are itchy or painful lesions. They can appear all over the body, especially around the genitals and anus. Other symptoms present are sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and injuries to the eyes and mouth.

A close contact is needed to contact the virus. The disease enters through damaged skin, respiratory tract, eyes, nose, mouth or body fluids.

The incubation period of the virus starts from six to 13 days. In most cases, the disease is self-limiting, and the symptoms disappear spontaneously within 14 to 21 days.

There is currently no special vaccine for monkeypox, but it is available for traditional smallpox that provides protection.