Monkeypox: Risk of spread in Nigeria but low in UK, says WHO | Health

Monkey disease (See details below) Spreads from animals to humans and usually occurs in the forests of East and West Africa (where Nigeria) The virus that causes this disease belongs to the same family of human mammoth disease that was eradicated from the world in 1980.

Until this Monday (16) At least 7 people in the UK have been diagnosed with monkey flu. The first case was identified for a passenger Nigeria; The other 6 had no connection with the first.

Since all patients have been diagnosed in London and identified as homosexual, bisexual or transsexual men (MSM), investigations are underway to establish a link between the four most recent cases. Monkey pox is spread by contact with an infected person, including body fluids and droplets (See details below)

Until May 11, May 7, screenings conducted on those in contact with those in the early stages did not identify symptoms of the disease in people in the area. United Kingdom.

“However, as a source of infection Nigeria It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. “

The Nigeria Monkey cases have been reported since 2017. From September of that year to last April, 558 suspected cases, 241 confirmed cases and 8 deaths were reported in 32 states across the country.

This year alone, as of April 30, 46 suspicious cases have been reported, 15 confirmed in seven states. No deaths were reported in 2022.

At United KingdomSeven cases of monkey flu have been reported before – all of which are related to travel Nigeria. Last year, the To us Two cases of the disease have been reported in humans, both of which are related to travel to an African country.

Transmitted by monkey disease Contact with contaminated materials such as wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets and bedding.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen glands, chills and fatigue.

One The rash may develop, usually starting on the face, Then spreads to other parts of the body, especially the arms and legs. The eruption changes and finally goes to different stages before creating an overview, which then falls.

The period from infection to the onset of symptoms – called the incubation period – is usually 6 to 13 days, but may be 5 to 21 days. Mild cases go unnoticed and can spread from person to person..

As the symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 14 to 21 days after infection, the disease will often resolve spontaneously. Symptoms may be mild or severe, and the lesions may be very itchy or painful.

It is not known which animal acts as a reservoir of disease, but the WHO says it may be a rodent. Known risk factors include contact with live or dead animals by hunting and ingesting wild or bushmeat.

Babies are at higher risk of dying from this disease, and may have complications during pregnancy, leading to congenital enlargement or stillbirth.

Although a vaccine is approved – the traditional measles vaccine also provides protection – these vaccines are not widely available. In addition, young people under the age of 40 or 50 – who have not participated in previous measles vaccination programs – are not covered by the vaccine.

Thanks to the success of the vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the plague eradicated in 1980, after which no natural outbreaks of the disease occurred.