Out and About July 2022 issue199

48 | OUT AND ABOUT COSTA BLANCA
DAWN BLYTHE
Monkeypox – What is it and
why are we hearing about it?
Monkeypox is related to smallpox
but is not as severe, and it´s
important to remember that it
is not a new disease. Despite the name,
Monkeypox is normally associated with
rodents. Cases are usually confined to
Central and West African countries, with
only the odd case reported in Europe. The
current outbreak is the largest ever seen
outside of Africa.
After the WHO declared that smallpox
had been eradicated worldwide in
1980, the routine smallpox vaccination
(which also prevents Monkeypox) was
discontinued, so currently only the older
generation would have benefitted from
that immunity. As a factor of this, cases of
Monkeypox have been increasing slowly
after the past 40 years.
Symptoms are typically flu-like (fever,
fatigue, muscle aches), swollen lymph
nodes and a rash. A rash can appear
on the face, genitals, palms of hands,
soles of feet or anywhere else on the
body. Sores can be confused with other
conditions such as chickenpox, herpes
or syphilis, so it is important to get any
such symptoms reviewed by a doctor or
nurse immediately. Symptoms last 2 to 4
weeks, with an incubation period of up to
3 weeks before symptoms develop.
It is important to isolate those infected
and their pets, because the virus can be
passed from humans to animals, and if it
reaches animals then it will be harder to
contain. Health authorities fear that the