Mpox is an infectious disease that can give you headache, back pain, low energy, painful rash, and fever.
It can be transmitted through contaminated materials, infected animals, and humans, reports Nigerian Tribune.
History
The first case of mpox was in 1970. It happened to a nine-month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, the virus was first discovered in Denmark in 1958 among monkeys kept for research.
In 1980, there was a full emergence of Mpox in East, Central, and West Africa. Since then, there have been reported cases with thousands of cases reported every year in Congo since 2005.
Nigeria also has a long history with this disease. The first case was in 1971, but there was a re-emergence in 2017, and since then, Mpox has been an issue in the country.
It was earlier reported that the disease has been confirmed in Ondo State. The affected areas are Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo.
Symptoms
1. Headache
2. Fever
3. Fatigue
4. Swollen lymph nodes
5. Rash
6. Muscle aches
7. Sore throat
8. Low energy
How Mpox is transmitted
1. A pregnant woman can transfer the disease to the fetus at birth.
2. If you come in contact with the saliva, mucus, or blood of an infected person or animal.
3. Contact with clothing, towels, or bedding used by an infected person.
4. Consuming the meat of an infected animal.
5. Skin to skin contact.
6. Kissing or cuddling with an infected person.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs such as cidofovir or tecovirimat may be prescribed by your health care provider or an antibody treatment.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the cause of Mpox is getting vaccinated. Other ways to get prevented are:
1. Not touching exposed Mpox rashes, scabs, or blisters
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Not getting close to known infected people or animals
4. Avoid the clothes of an infected person
