Mpox, also widely known as “monkeypox,” is a rare viral disease that belongs to the group of orthopoxvirus genus, which is the same family as smallpox and cowpox. The first case of monkeypox was detected in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958 in crab-eating monkeys, hence the name was recognized as monkeypox. The virus is transmitted in nature and can be contacted when someone comes in direct contact with a Mpox-infected individual or infected animals. This disease is also airborne, it can spread through respiratory droplets or bodily fluids transmitted through the air. The crucial question of “how long does monkeypox last” varies, and the duration of the disease differs depending upon the intensity of the virus; however, how long monkeypox lasts greatly depends on the methods of prevention and management used by a person for its treatment.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Certain symptoms can help you detect the virus; its symptoms are similar to but milder than smallpox. The symptoms range from experiencing fever, headache, sore throat, and body pain. However, one of the significant symptoms is the development of rashes that first occur on the face and then spread to other body parts. These rashes may last up to 2-4 weeks.
In severe cases, the Mpox virus causes blood and lung infections, attacking the immune system. People with a weak immune system, including people who are pregnant or have children, are more prone to getting infected with the Mpox virus.
How Long Does Monkeypox Last?
Let us now get into the most important question: how long does monkeypox last? The duration of monkeypox is crucial and helpful to both those seeking help and the medical professional. The duration of monkeypox varies and is highly dependent upon its symptoms; the more severe the symptom is, the more time it takes to cure the illness. Hence, it is always suggested to get an early treatment for the disease as the condition worsens if not treated on time.
The typical duration of monkeypox is 2-4 weeks, which usually goes away independently or with supportive care. The patient might experience many symptoms during this period, including pox-like rashes, headaches, fevers, and muscle pain.
It is also important to note that the question “How long does monkeypox last?” also depends upon the diagnosis of the disease. This involves knowing the patient’s history and exposure to the disease. The person who is diagnosed with the virus needs to be examined by a professional to get a better understanding of whether the person can be treated at home or requires medical assistance.
Treatment of Mpox
With many years of research, an antiviral known as tecovirimat was developed in January 2022, which the European Medical Agency approved for treating the Mpox virus in exceptional circumstances. However, the treatment is still in its trial phase and is only given to people with immune suppression and people living with advanced HIV diseases.
However, some common prevention methods that can be used at home are :-.
- Hydration- Hydration is important in the early stages; it is often suggested that an infected person should drink as many glasses of water as possible to keep the body fully hydrated.
- Avoid scratching the rashes- The development of a pox-like rash is the identity of the monkeypox. The rash begins as a flat store and later progresses as a pus-filled blister, which is itchy and painful. Avoid scratching the blisters; instead, cover the blister with sterilized bandages. These blisters deflate after some time and eventually fall out and disappear. Understanding “how long the monkeypox lasts” greatly depends on the stages of these pox-like rashes.
Modes of Transmission of Mpox
Mpox can be transmitted primarily by contacting an infected animal that carries Mpox virus. This implies coming in physical contact with animals or even consuming undercooked meat from infected animals. Bites and scratches of infected animals can also cause it; this animal-to-human transmission is one of the modes through which humans can contact monkeypox viruses.
- In human-to-human transmission, identifying the question of “How long does monkeypox last” is also dependent on the implementation of preventive measures. It is always advised to avoid having prolonged contact with an infected individual. It can be caused by coming in close contact with an infected person. Close contact also includes breathing around the same air as an infected person and skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, it is advised to take proper protective measures whenever you contact an infected person.
- Monkeypox can also be spread by coming in contact with contaminated materials. Materials that are infected include used clothes, towels, and other materials used by an infected person.
How Can You Prevent Yourself from Getting Infected?
Several measures can be undertaken to prevent catching the virus. One of the effective measures to avoid catching the virus is to isolate an individual infected with Pox. It is often recommended to incorporate good hygiene practices during this period, such as frequently washing your hands before and after touching the infected parts and using an alcohol-based sanitizer. Overall, good hygiene minimizes the chance of getting the mpox virus.
Although there is no specific vaccine available for the treatment of Mpox yet, vaccination against smallpox can prevent the risk of getting infected.
It is also important to note that raising awareness about the disease is also crucial in its prevention. Organizing health camps and educating the public about the disease can help them detect it early. They can seek medical help and take proper preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the Mpox virus. Therefore, implementing preventive measures involves understanding- how long monkeypox lasts in an individual.
Conclusion
Monkeypox, therefore, is a rare viral disease that can cause serious health issues if not treated on time. It is important to understand its symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures to avoid getting exposed to the harmful disease. Hence, the important question as to how long monkeypox lasts is greatly determined by the effective measures used by an individual in the treatment of monkeypox.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can you get monkeypox by the touch of an infected person?
Yes, Monkeypox is a transmitting disease and can spread if you come in direct contact of an infected person for a prolonged period.
2. What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, the same family as that of smallpox and cowpox.
3. How long does monkeypox last?
The duration of monkeypox differs, but typically it lasts for about 2-4 weeks.
4. Is there any treatment for monkeypox?
There is no direct vaccine to treat the Mpox virus, but the Vaccine approved for smallpox can be treated as an approved vaccine to tackle monkeypox.
5. Are children and Pregnant women more at risk?
Yes, children and pregnant women are at higher risk of catching the virus as they have a low immune system during that time.
