Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease and has symptoms like smallpox and is caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is a part of the variola virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, the virus which results in causing smallpox.   

World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency since monkeypox had spread to different countries via social interactions and immediate contacts. Monkeypox has a long incubation period i.e. it takes four to 21 days to produce illness symptoms. 

How Monkeypox spreads? 

Before understanding the preventive measures, let us take a glimpse how these spreads.  

 Monkeypox spreads in 3 ways: 

• From person to person: this spreads via contact with an infected person’s lesions or scabs which are found on the skin or mucosal surfaces.  
• Through direct contact with contaminated objects: when one comes in direct contact with the personal items that are used by an infected person such as clothes, towels, razors, and more. 
• From animals to humans: the virus spreads from an infected animal to a human via direct contact such as a bite or scratch. Consuming undercooked meat from animals can also cause monkeypox.  

 How to Prevent Monkeypox? 

Monkeypox virus spreads through close contact with an infected animal or person. There are certain preventive measures that one must take to reduce the chance of getting infected. These includes: 

• Staying home and limiting contact with others who have symptoms.  
• Avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets, or any other items which have been in contact with an infected person.  
• Isolate the infected person for about 21 days.  
• Wash your hands well with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  
• Maintaining good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette is beneficial.  
• Cover coughs and sneezing with the bend of your arm.  
• Vaccines can prevent monkeypox. Smallpox (MVA) vaccine offers a good level of protection against monkeypox. People with a compromised immune system and those allergic to latex must avoid the smallpox vaccine. 
• Do not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that look unwell.  
• Cook all food thoroughly, especially animal meat. 
• If you have chills and swollen lymph nodes, but no fever or rash, consider isolation for a few days.  
• Wear a well-fitting mask, gloves, and PPE kit when caring for or treating someone with monkeypox or disease symptoms.  
• Practice safe intercourse, use condoms and dental dams are recommended. 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces for precautions.  
• Immediately contact your health practitioner if you develop any signs or symptoms of monkeypox infection.  

What to do if you are exposed to Monkeypox? 

People who have been exposed to an infected person should monitor their health for three weeks. You must follow the below measures if you are exposed to an infected individual:  

• Measure your temperature twice daily.  
• If you have developed fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, you must immediately isolate yourself.  
• If you do not have a fever but still have chills or swollen lymph, you must contact your health practitioner immediately.  

Conclusion: 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended people to maintain distance from those colonies which are inhabited by monkeypox-infected animals. Getting in contact with substances like infected animal bedding should be avoided. Isolation is one of the key preventive measures which can suppress the spread of the virus.