1. What is monkeypox?
The familiar monkeypox, smallpox and cowpox are all homologous viruses. The main symptoms are blisters, fever and lymphadenopathy, and the onset time is usually about two weeks.
The main source of infection is rodents infected with monkeypox virus. Primates (including monkeys, chimpanzees, humans, etc. ) infection can also become a source of infection. Recently, there is a trend of increasing cases in Asian countries, which also has a certain impact on China.
Second, the route of transmission.
The virus invades the human body through mucous membranes and broken skin. People are mainly infected by contacting pathological secretions, blood and other body fluids of infected animals, or being bitten or scratched by infected animals. People mainly spread through close contact, but also through droplets, contact with items contaminated by virus may also be infected, but also through the placenta vertical transmission. Sexual transmission cannot be ruled out.
3. Is the probability of common people being infected with monkeypox high?
As an ordinary person, there are few opportunities to get in touch with monkeypox, so don't worry too much, let alone panic.
Frequent and unprotected sex is the main cause of monkeypox infection, which will also lead to the spread of other sexual diseases, but the risk of monkeypox virus infection in the general population is low.
On May 1 1 this year, the World Health Organization has declared that the monkeypox epidemic no longer constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern". Recently, however, there is a trend of increasing cases in Asian countries, which also has a certain impact on China.
4. Which groups of people are susceptible to monkeypox?
Monkeypox virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Although most of the cases reported by multinational epidemics were found among gay men, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men, the risk of monkeypox infection is not limited to sexually active people, nor to gay men, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men.
Anyone who has close contact with symptomatic people is at risk, and those who have sex with multiple or new partners are at greatest risk.
In addition to close contact and transmission, monkeypox virus can persist in clothes, bedding, towels, articles, electronic equipment and surfaces contacted by monkeypox patients for a period of time.
Others may get infected when they touch these items, especially if they have any cuts or abrasions, or touch their eyes, nose, mouth or other mucous membranes before washing their hands.
The virus may also be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy through skin contact at birth or after birth, or from parents with monkeypox to babies or children.
Verb (abbreviation of verb) the main symptoms of monkeypox
The early symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of influenza, including fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. Some people will feel listless and even sleepy. Generally, three days after these symptoms appear, patients will have rashes and swollen lymph nodes, and some people may have encephalitis.
What people are most afraid of is a rash, which often starts from the head and face and spreads to all limbs. From herpes zoster to pustular herpes, and finally dry and stupid. Scar rash and purulent scar rash are mostly spherical and hard in texture. There will be obvious itching and pain. Generally, it takes about 2-4 weeks from onset to shedding. The most terrible thing is that after the knot falls off, it can leave erythema or bruises, which can last for several years.
Six, how to avoid infection with monkeypox virus
Avoid close contact with people with monkeypox. Sexual contact, especially male-to-male contact, is very risky.
Avoid direct contact with wild animals in countries with high incidence. Avoid catching, slaughtering and eating local animals raw.
Good hygiene habits. Clean and disinfect frequently and do a good job in hand hygiene.
If you have a history of contact with suspected animal, human or monkeypox cases at home and abroad, and have symptoms such as fever and rash, you should go to a regular hospital in time. Generally, you can choose dermatology to inform the doctor about the epidemiological history. Avoid close contact with others before scabbing.