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Health Alert: Ano Ang Mga Kailangan Malaman Bilang Nanay Patungkol sa MonkeyPox

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August 21, 2022


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  • With the pandemic barely over a new threat loom over us.  A new contagious disease called monkeypox. Now, what exactly do we know about monkeypox? We know that it comes with a nasty rash that we certainly don’t want anyone in the family catching. But beyond this, we know very little about monkeypox, despite knowing that the Philippines has already recorded its first case. Pero kung gusto nating pigilan ang pagkalat nito, it is important to stay informed. Dapat alam natin ang mga sintomas, at paano ito maiiwasan.

     

    To help you out with this we have put together everything you need to know. This can serve as your Monkeypox 101. 

     

    Ano ang Monkeypox?

     

    Una sa lahat, ano nga ba ang monkeypox? Magkaiba ito sa chickenpox at wala silang kinalaman sa isa’t isa. Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses the virus that causes smallpox. Because of this, they share similar symptoms but in the case of monkeypox, it is not fatal and is usually less severe.

     

    Despite being named “monkeypox,” the origin of the disease remains unknown. It was only named this way because it was first detected in lab monkeys used for research.  Historically, transmission between humans was less common. It was not known to easily infect large groups of people. It was usually transmitted among certain animals such as African rodents and non-human primates – monkeys. 

     


    Image from Medical Xpress

     

    As of now, it appears to spread through close contact with people who have had the disease and an outbreak has begun in several regions across the globe.

     

    In the Philippines, the first confirmed case of monkeypox was recorded in July. The case was a 31-year-old Filipino national who had traveled outside of the country and arrived back on July 19. It was noted that the individual had previously traveled in countries with documented Monkeypox cases. The case was confirmed positive on the 28th of July through an RT-PCR test and has since been discharged and under strict isolation at their home.

     

    As of recent, the Department of Health (DOH) reported its fourth case of monkeypox in the country in Cebu City on August 22. The patient was said to be a 25-year-old with no recorded history of travel to countries where there is a monkeypox outbreak. The patient was immediately put in an isolation facility meanwhile, other close contacts are also in isolation.

     

    The DOH has not implemented any strict protocol regarding monkeypox at the moment. However, they have emphasized that anyone may get Monkeypox and have reminded the public to continue practicing minimum health standards.

     

    Symptoms of Monkeypox 

     

    According to experts, it would take a week or 2, or 3 at most to get sick from the monkeypox virus after exposure. It may typically start with feelings of discomfort along with a fever or a headache. It is also important to watch out for swollen lymph nodes and a rash that may appear.

     

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States cites that the lesions usually first appear on the tongue and in the mouth before eventually spreading to the skin and becoming more raised. Additional sources also mention that rashes often start in the center of the body, areas such as the face or the head then move outward to the extremities. Although it is important to note that doctors have noticed that there have been cases that do not follow this pattern.

     


    Image from the Philippine Star

     

    Some individuals only experience a rash with no flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache. Meanwhile, some get the rash first before the flu-like symptoms. Some people do not get a fever at all. This is why it is best to consult your doctors and pediatrician if you experience these symptoms or have unexplained rashes.

     

    For those that get the rash, it should eventually become a lesion which should crust then scab, and eventually fall off after the end of the second week. From the beginning of the flu-like symptoms until all scabs have fallen off an infected person is considered to be contagious.

     

    Top 5 Things to Know About Monkeypox

     

    Prevention of Monkeypox

     

    The number one most effective way to prevent being infected by the virus is to get vaccinated. Experts have stated that smallpox vaccines may be up to 85 percent effective against monkeypox. 

     

    DOH has relayed that it has been coordinating with the World Health Organization and other development organizations in procuring supplies of smallpox vaccine. However, DOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire has also emphasized that monkeypox is different from COVID-19 and that there is no need to vaccinate the whole population to prevent further transmission. 

     

    The CDC backs this up as they have also stated that they do not recommend widespread vaccination against monkeypox yet. Adding that it may only be recommended for individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox. 

     

    Experts have also advised continuing to practice precautionary measures, many of which are similar to prevention strategies for COVID-19. These are wearing a mask, regularly washing the hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and practicing physical distancing when possible.

     

    How Does It Spread?

     

    As mentioned earlier, in the past, the human-to-human transmission was unusual. With the 2022 outbreak, it appears that monkeypox can now spread through close contact with lesion materials such as a rash or scab of an infected individual or bodily fluids. 

     

    It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing and hugging.  

     

     

    Other forms of transmission also include touching clothes, linens, or other objects that came in contact with the bodily fluids or rash of an infected person.  Even pregnant women can transmit the virus to their fetuses. 

     

    Para sa mga buntis nating mommies, iwas muna sa paglabas dahil bukod sa sarili puwede rin makuha ni baby ang sakit. Iwasan ang high risk areas tulad ng mga masisikip na lugar at mag doble ingat kapag pupunta sa ospital para magpacheck-up. 

     

    Is It More Contagious Than COVID-19?

     

    On a positive note, doctors have affirmed that monkeypox is less contagious than COVID-19. They have mentioned that there has been no evidence that the monkeypox virus has evolved to become more infectious. 

     

    They also further explain that monkeypox is a DNA virus that is supposedly more stable as opposed to COVID-19 which is an RNA virus. RNA viruses have a higher tendency to have transcription errors which may lead to mutations that are much more transmissible. 

     

    Diagnosis For Monkeypox

     

    It is important to stay alert to prevent spreading the virus further. However, it is also important not to self-diagnose. It is still best to consult our healthcare providers when it comes to concerns about our health.

     

    Huwag pong magpanic kapag nakaramdam ng sintomas. Kumonsulta muna sa doctor. The doctors should be able to properly diagnose monkeypox through a physical exam. The doctor’s diagnosis can then also be confirmed with a PCR test. If confirmed positive, then healthcare providers would the ones to give treatment and advice on what to do.

     

    Treatment for Monkeypox

     

    As of the moment, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox.  Walang partikular na gamot na dapat inumin or ointment na dapat ipahid. At gaya nga ng nabanggit kanina, hindi pa maipapayo ang malawakang pagpapabakuna laban sa monkeypox. For now, doctors will most likely prescribe plenty of rest, fluids, and some over-the-counter medicine to prevent any other serious complications. 

     


    Image from Inquirer.net

     

    It’s better to be safe than sorry. Kaya naman huwag na natin hintayin pang lumala ang pagkalat ng monkeypox bago mag ingat. Ipagpatuloy natin pagkain ng tama at pagpapanatiling malinis ng katawan. Pati na rin ang physical distancing at iba pang safety precautions.

     

    Be safe and stay healthy mga mommies!

     

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