Monkeypox

Monkeypox is an extremely tough condition to diagnose with symptoms only becoming apparent 12 days after the virus has been contracted. Those symptoms are similar to smallpox, with the following characteristics being common:

• Fever, shivering, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain and exhaustion, while some cases may also include cough or back pain. 
• 1-3 days after the fever patients will notice a rash that begins on the face and spreads to various other areas of the body.
• Those rashes will then turn into sores which eventually burst and flake away, with the symptoms lasting around 2-4 weeks. 
• Patients usually make a full recovery by themselves. In people with weak immune systems or chronic health disorders, the disease may lead to dangerous complications, such as pneumonia or death.

Thailand is yet to see its first case of this disease due to this country not having a history of such viral infections. However, traveling to high-risk countries for tourism or business purposes could place people at risk of contracting the disease and bringing it back into the kingdom upon their return. High-risk groups therefore include people who travel to countries where the infection is active or who come into contact with people who have been to those countries, such as foreign laborers or Thais working abroad, tourists, tourism operators and people who travel on business.

• Avoid contact with infected animals, especially monkeys and rats.
• Avoid direct contact with infected patients or their possessions, including being in close proximity to their breath.
• Be sure to wash your hands carefully with soap or gels each and every time after you have contact with animals or with objects used by the wider public. 
• Wear a protective mask that covers your nose and mouth should you need to enter an area which is at risk of an outbreak.
• In cases of contact with infected patients, ensure they are kept separate from other patients.
• Vaccinating against smallpox, while not specifically designed to protect against monkeypox, can be effective in reducing the chance of infection from human monkeypox. Nevertheless, vaccinations should only be administered to those working in high risk areas, including those working with infected people or animals. To be effective, this vaccine should be given to patients no more than 14 days after contracting the virus.

There are not currently any specific vaccinations or treatments available for the prevention of this disease but its spread can be managed with a smallpox vaccination which is effective in 85% of cases.

It is crucial that people understand this disease is not spread exclusively from animals to humans as it can also be spread from humans to humans. Therefore, those who are required to travel to countries where this disease is present, should pay close attention to the latest news regarding outbreaks. As an even better alternative, they should consult with their doctor and pediatrician to be sure that they are safe to travel as this will help protect them from contracting the disease.