1. Monkey smallpox What is that?
Monkey disease is a disease caused by The monkeypox virus causes the disease. The incubation period is 5-21 days, usually 6-13 days.
          Symptoms range from mild to severe and usually resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. The sores may be itchy or painful.
In a small number of people, such as young children, immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe symptoms and death.
2. Symptoms of the disease
Monkeypox typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and a rash that may appear as blisters on the face, inside the mouth, or on other parts of the body such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Monkeypox can resolve spontaneously within 2-3 weeks; however, generalized skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes lasting 2-3 weeks are common. The disease is usually more severe in children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.
          When symptoms appear
If you experience symptoms such as a rash, fever, or decreased energy, contact a healthcare professional for advice on testing and timely treatment.
If you suspect or are confirmed to have monkeypox, self-isolate and go to the hospital until the rash and sores have healed and the scabs have fallen off, and avoid sexual intercourse.
During isolation, you may receive treatment to alleviate the symptoms of monkeypox. Your caregiver needs to adhere to personal protective measures.
3. Preventive measures
To proactively prevent monkeypox outbreaks in our country, the Ministry of Health recommends that people take the following preventive measures:
– Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth, handkerchief, disposable tissue, or your sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions; wash your hands with soap and water or an antiseptic solution immediately after coughing or sneezing. Do not spit indiscriminately in public places.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer..
– Individuals experiencing an acute rash of unknown origin accompanied by one or more suspected symptoms should proactively contact a healthcare facility for timely monitoring and advice. They should also self-isolate and avoid sexual contact.
– Avoid close contact with people infected with monkeypox, and avoid direct contact with wounds, bodily fluids, droplets, and contaminated objects and items. If someone in your home or workplace is infected or suspected of being infected, notify the health authorities for timely advice and treatment; do not attempt self-treatment.
– Individuals traveling to countries where monkeypox is endemic (Central and West Africa) should avoid contact with mammals (dead or alive) such as rodents, marsupials, and primates that may carry the monkeypox virus. Upon returning to Vietnam, they should proactively report to local health authorities for advice.
– Ensuring food safety, adopting a healthy lifestyle, increasing physical activity, and improving overall health.