Monkeypox in Cameroon: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

These days, pictures are circulating on the internet of a mum and son suffering from the Monkeypox virus in Cameroon. Well, this should not be something new as the Monkeypox virus is endemic in several countries.

It should be noted that Monkeypox has been in existence since 1958 when outbreaks of a disease-causing pox were discovered in monkeys held in captivity for research but was discovered in humans in 1970 precisely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The increasing number of infected cases around the globe called for concern making it a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Monkeypox as a global health emergency on 23 July 2022.

Monkeypox in Cameroon: What You Need to Know

Without taking much of your time, this article would provide you with some of the key facts you need to know about the Monkeypox virus, how to identify if you or anyone around you is suffering from it (Symptoms), and to be aware of the possible ways to prevent it.

So, just take a cup of coffee, and relax while sipping and reading this beautiful story of knowledge enrichment. It is said that “Health is wealth”, a dead person cannot possess this. Take your health seriously and hope this write-up educates you to educate others.

How can you educate others without having a clue about what Monkeypox is all about? This leads us to the question:

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What Is Monkeypox? What Do We Need To Know?

Monkeypox is an illness precipitated or caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is a viral zoonotic infection, that is, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It can as well be spread from human to human and from the environment to human.

Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Studies have it that Monkeypox symptoms are similar to those of smallpox but the symptoms are clinically less severe compared to smallpox.

Cases of Monkeypox are primarily located in Central and West Africa often in proximity to tropical rainforests. Examples of species of animals that can be infected include squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys, and others.

There are two types of Monkeypox virus: the West African clade and the Congo Basin clade, also known as the central African clade.

I am sure you might be wondering if the Monkeypox virus is deadly. Well, it is not. This is because about 99% of individuals who are affected by this form of illness are likely to survive.

The group of individuals who have the highest risk of severe disease from Monkeypox are people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and pregnant or breastfeeding women who may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox? Is it Fatal?

As earlier mentioned, the Monkeypox disease is rarely fatal. This is because a good number of people survive.

Symptoms after contracting Monkeypox start showing between 6 to 13 days after contact with an infected, symptomatic person, or their belongings, but it can take up to 21 days.

In addition, bear in mind that symptoms of the current outbreak are mostly mild; however, lesions (wounds) can be very itchy or painful and can become infected.

Symptoms usually resolve by themselves after about 14–21 days. Below are the symptoms of Monkeypox disease.

• 👉Fever
• 👉Headache
• 👉Muscle aches
• 👉Back pain
• 👉Low energy
• 👉Swollen lymph nodes.
• 👉This is followed or accompanied by the development of a rash on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body, which can last for two to three weeks.

The number of sores can range from one to several thousand. Sores on the skin begin flat and then fill with liquid before they crust over, dry up and fall off, with a fresh layer of skin forming underneath.

Those infected may experience all or only a few symptoms:

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

How long do Monkeypox symptoms last?

The interesting fact about this disease is that it is self-limiting meaning the symptoms usually go away without the need for treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.

Some people may need antibiotics and analgesia to treat secondary infections and local pain.

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How does Monkeypox spread from person to person?

• 👉Monkeypox can be transmitted from person-to-person through close contact with someone who has a Monkeypox rash. 
• 👉Physical contact can mean being face-to-face either by talking, breathing, or singing close to one another, which can generate droplets or short-range aerosols.

Health scientists in Cameroon and WHO are still working to understand the possible mechanisms of Monkeypox transmission through the air.

• Secondly, Monkeypox can be transmitted through skin-to-skin such as touching or vaginal/anal sex); mouth-to-mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or kissing the skin). Overall, it can be sexually transmitted. All it takes is to be exposed to an infected person.
• Concerning it being zoonotic, it can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
• The virus can also spread during pregnancy to the fetus, during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact, or from a parent with Monkeypox to an infant or child during close contact. If you are pregnant, avoid close contact with anyone who has Monkeypox.
• It can equally be transmitted through the environment to humans. The question is how?

Well, when an infectious person touches clothing, bedding, towels, objects, electronics, and surfaces. 

If a non-infected person touches these items, they may become infected if they have any cuts or abrasions or they accidentally touch their eyes, nose mouth, or other mucous membranes. This is known as fomite transmission.

Treatment of Monkeypox in Cameroon

There are no treatments specifically for Monkeypox virus infections. However, because of genetic similarities in the viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox may be used to treat Monkeypox infections.

How to prevent Monkeypox or the spread of Monkeypox

• One can be infected after the consumption of an infected animal. Therefore, it is advisable to properly cook all animal products before consumption.
• Secondly, avoid physical contact with infected people as well as not share personal items like towels, and bedspreads, just to list a few.
• Regularly wash your hands
• Wear a mask in indoor spaces. Though scientists are still working on proving the possibility of Monkeypox being airborne, one should not take chances.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid unprotected sex because Monkeypox disease can be sexually transmitted.
• Wear gloves and the necessary personal equipment when caring for a sick patient or approaching an infected animal.
• Try not to touch the lesions or rash as this could spread the disease.
• If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please stay home and talk to a healthcare provider. Isolating yourself will help you not to endanger others.

Final Remarks 

Monkeypox has been in existence for decades so one should not be surprised. The most important thing to note is the fact that it is not deadly compared to other diseases as the majority of people infected survive it.

Bear in mind that it does not have any specific treatment. It is self-limiting, meaning the symptoms may go away without the need for treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. Some people may need antibiotics and analgesia to treat secondary infections and local pain.

People who are more susceptible to the Monkeypox disease are pregnant women, children below the age of 8, people with weakened immune systems, etc.

Note that Monkeypox is sexually transmitted. Avoid unprotected sex.  When your partner says, “I love it when it’s dark”, think twice. Put the lights on to see what you are eating.

Anyone with new and unusual rashes or sores should avoid having sex or any other kind of close contact with other people until they have been checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Monkeypox.

Remember that the rash can also be located in places that can be hard to see inside the body like the mouth, throat, genitals, vagina, and anus/anal area. It takes just physical contact to be infected by an infectious person.

This could be through skin-to-skin contact, face-to-face, touching an infected object, and so on.

I hope the write-up is of great help to you. Now that you are aware of everything you need to know about Monkeypox, what are you still waiting for to educate others? Information is power, spread the good news to safe others. Thanks for your time.

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