MONKEY POX OUTBREAK REPORTED IN THE ATLANTIC ZONE OF AMBAZONIA
Monkey Pox Outbreak reported in the Atlantic Zone of Ambazonia
In communiqué signed by the colonial health boss of the southern zone Dr Eko Eko Filbert on Monday October 10, 2022 two LGAs are affected and these include Kumba LGA and Mbonge LGA. Ambazonian denizens must watch out.
What is Monkeypox Virus?
The discovery of monkeypox virus (MPV) dates back to 1958 when a group of monkeys used for research purposes were infected in Denmark.1 Despite these cases and the name of the virus, the original source of the disease remains unknown. Similar to smallpox, MPV belongs to the variola virus family.2
The first human case of MPV was reported in 1970 in Central Africa. Prior to the current 2022 outbreak, cases were primarily identified and reported in the Central and Western regions of Africa.1
As of September 2022, there more than 22,000 reported cases in the United States alone and more than 59,000 cases globally.3 States with the most reported cases include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas. Currently, data suggest that men who have sex with men (MSM) make up the majority of cases in the outbreak.
Signs and Symptoms
The primary sign of MPV infection is rash near the genitals, anus, lower extremities, chest, face, or mouth.2,4 Typically, the rash presents as painful and/or itching blisters or pimples and progresses through several different stages, including scabbing, prior to healing.
Other common signs and symptoms that typically occur as a febrile prodrome include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms (e.g., muscle aches, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, chills, and headache). Symptom onset takes place within 3 weeks following exposure and can last 2 to 4 weeks.
The virus is typically spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected lesion, bodily fluids, and/or respiratory secretions. This contact can occur during intimate contact, face-to-face contact, and touching fabrics or objects that have been contaminated by an infected person’s bodily fluids. Currently, diagnostic testing is only recommended for individuals with active visible rash.
