As a result of lockdowns, travel restrictions, Brexit, invasions, rising fuel and energy prices, political and civil unrest, and much more besides, life here in the UK is tough right now. To add fuel to the fire, the media has recently reported an increasing number of cases of the virus known as Monkeypox. However, it’s always best to take a positive view of things, and while we need to inform ourselves about the latest virus, we certainly don’t need to be alarmed.

 

Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the last thing people want to hear about is another virus or disease doing the rounds. But what exactly is Monkeypox, and how worried about it should we be?

Here’s a look at what you need to know about Monkeypox.

 

What is Monkeypox?

Obviously, we’ll kick things off today with a look at what Monkeypox actually is.

Monkeypox was first discovered back in 1958 when a disease which looked very similar to pox affected two monkeys that were kept in a lab for research.

In humans, the first reported case of Monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For decades the virus remained in circulation, particularly in Africa, though it was very well contained and cases in humans were very low.

Recently, however, we have been seeing an increase in the number of Monkeypox cases in humans in other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, and here in the United Kingdom. Despite this, the disease is still considered very rare and is not thought to be a huge cause for concern.

 

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

Monkeypox has many similarities to Smallpox, which we were able to eradicate in the 1980s. When a person is infected with Monkeypox, symptoms will usually appear within 5 – 21 days.

Some of the more common symptoms of Monkeypox include the following:

• Rash on the face that spreads to the body, including the genitals
• Muscle ache
• Headache
• Temperature
• Swollen glands
• Backache
• Chills
• Raised spots and/or sores that look like chickenpox. These eventually turn to fluid-filled blisters, which eventually fall off by themselves.

 

How can you catch Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is most commonly caught from infected rodents and similar animals in parts of central and western Africa.

You can catch it if you are bitten or scratched by an infected animal or if you happen to touch any open sores or wounds on its body.

Though not as common, you may also find yourself infected if you eat infected meat from western or central Africa that has been undercooked.

The disease can also be spread from person to person via:

• Sharing a bed and/or engaging in sexual activity with an infected person
• Touching towels, clothing, or bedding used by an infected person
• Coughs, sneezes, or other bodily secretions of an infected person

There is evidence to suggest that members of the LGBTQ community are at a higher risk of infection, especially men that are gay, bisexual, or who sleep with other men. There is, however, a concern that this data will lead to discrimination in the community.

 

How worried should we be in the UK?

Despite a rising number of cases of Monkeypox in the UK and around the world, the disease is not thought to be a real danger or concern.

To begin with, cases are very low, so there is little risk of the NHS being overwhelmed. Also, the disease clears up by itself, so usually doesn’t require any treatment or medication.

 

Is treatment needed?

As mentioned, usually, symptoms are mild and will clear up by themselves, so no treatment will be needed.

If you are diagnosed, as infection can spread via close human contact, you will be asked to isolate at home if you have mild symptoms.

There are treatments, medications, and a vaccination available if needed. In rare instances where severe cases are required, you may be required to spend time in the hospital until you can recover.

 

So there you have it – all you need to know about Monkeypox. It’s always best to keep informed, but equally important, we stay positive.