Monkeypox – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease that was first identified in Denmark in 1958. Despite its name, the natural host of the virus remains unidentified, with potential candidates ranging from squirrels to mice to primates. The disease itself is relatively rare and has been observed only in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.

The symptoms in humans are milder than smallpox, though that does not make it any less deadly. Monkeypox is known to be fatal and still occurs sporadically in some parts of Africa today.

The infection spreads through the direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals. Eating raw meat has also been hypothesized to be a risk factor.

Two distinct classes of the virus have been identified. These are the Congo basin and the West African groups, with the former being more virulent.

The last known outbreak of the disease occurred between August and October 2016 in the Central African Republic. Twenty-six cases and two deaths were recorded.

Known side effects of monkeypox

Monkeypox has very similar symptoms to smallpox. The incubation period is usually six to 16 days from the infection.

Medical professionals divide the infection into two periods:

1. The invasion period (zero to five days) which is characterized by fever, headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, general muscle pain, and lack of energy. This may also be accompanied by chills and exhaustion.
2. The skin eruption period which occurs one to three days after the appearance of the fever. This is when a rash appears, often beginning on the face and then spreading all over the body. The rash may evolve to include maculopapules (lesions with flat bases); vesicles (fluid-filled blisters); pustules; or even crusts. The number of lesions varies per individual, ranging from a few to several thousand affecting the mouth, genitals, and the eyeball and eyelid.

Body systems harmed by monkeypox

The disease harms the whole body. While the infection begins in the face and around the lymph nodes, the disease does spread, weakening the immune system which makes the patient more vulnerable to other types of illnesses.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent monkeypox

Because monkeypox is so rare, little to no research exists on specific foods that can prevent the disease. That being said, a widely varied diet consisting of fruits and vegetables can prevent a general viral infection. Some basic guidelines include:

• Staying hydrated – The easiest way to tell if you’re properly hydrated is to check the color of your urine. Dark yellow is a sign that you need to drink more.
• Load up on fruits that are blue or orange – Dark fruits and vegetables contain the necessary nutrients that improve your immune system and make you less likely to get sick.
• Eat probiotics – These bacteria help your immune system stay strong and healthy.
• Don’t smoke – Smoking compromises your lungs and weakens the immune system.
• Limit alcohol consumption – There is a lot of controversy as to how much alcohol you can drink and remain healthy. Most medical professionals recommend only a glass of red wine every day.

Treatments, management plans for monkeypox

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox infections. Generally, the zoonotic virus is self-contained and resolves itself after three to four weeks. What is important however is that the virus is controlled and contained within a small environment.

Where to learn more

• Off-the-shelf DNA can be used to manufacture biological weapons, stunned scientists discover
• Scientists have determined the mummified child who was killed 500 years ago died from hepatitis, not smallpox
• Be Prepared: How To Conquer A Viral Infection
• 11 Effective Natural Remedies To Treat Viral Infections

Summary

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease found in Central and West Africa.

Its symptoms resemble smallpox.

The disease is highly contagious.

There are no treatment plans for the disease.

Sources include:

TheConversation.com

WHO.int

CDC.gov

ShareCare.com