Mpox virus, maaaring makuha sa skin-to-skin at kontaminadong gamit; Sintomas, alamin!

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The virus, first discovered in monkeys in 1958 and in humans in 1970, is zoonotic, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The current outbreak is primarily in Africa. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals, their rashes, body fluids, or contaminated items. Symptoms include skin rashes, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. The Department of Health advises hygiene practices, such as handwashing, to prevent spread, and recommends isolation for three weeks if symptomatic.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency for the disease known as monkeypox, now called EMPA.
• 🦠 EMPA is a zoonotic viral infection, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• 🌎 WHO is concerned about its potential to spread globally, with the current outbreak happening primarily in Africa.
• 🐵 The EMPA virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case recorded in 1970.
• 🤝 The virus can be transmitted through direct and intimate contact with an infected person, especially through rashes, lesions, or bodily fluids.
• 🧴 The virus can also spread via contaminated objects like clothes and utensils used by an infected person.
• 😷 Symptoms include skin rashes, lesions in the mouth, fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
• 🧼 EMPA virus can be killed using soap and water, emphasizing the importance of handwashing and hygiene.
• 🏥 Isolation is recommended for up to three weeks if symptoms are present, until the skin lesions dry up.
• 💉 There is no vaccine currently available in the Philippines, but the country is waiting for the availability of a commercially approved vaccine.

Q & A

What is the disease declared by the WHO as a public health emergency of international concern?

The disease declared by the WHO as a public health emergency of international concern is mpox (formerly called monkeypox).

What is the cause of mpox?

Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, a zoonotic viral infection that can be transmitted to humans from animals.

How is mpox transmitted between humans?

Mpox can be transmitted through direct and intimate contact with an infected person's rashes, lesions, body fluids, or by touching contaminated objects like clothes and utensils.

What are the common symptoms of mpox?

Common symptoms of mpox include skin rashes or lesions, fever, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Where did the mpox virus originate?

The mpox virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, and the first human case was reported in 1970. It mainly originates from animals in tropical rainforests, especially in Africa.

How can mpox be treated?

Mpox is generally self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time. Treatment includes supportive care such as medication for fever, pain relief, and ointments for skin lesions. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for individuals with comorbidities.

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid the spread of mpox?

Preventive measures include washing hands with soap and water, maintaining cleanliness, and isolating for three weeks if symptoms appear. It’s also advised to avoid direct contact with infected individuals.

How long does the isolation period for mpox last?

The Department of Health recommends a three-week isolation period until skin lesions dry up and scabs fall off.

Is there a vaccine available for mpox in the Philippines?

As of now, there is no commercially available vaccine for mpox in the Philippines, but the country is in line to request it once developed.

When is a person with mpox no longer contagious?

A person with mpox is no longer contagious when their scabs have fallen off and no lesions with fluid remain on their skin.