Given the increase in cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
This classification is the highest alert that the WHO can issue to alert international experts, governments and the world population to take immediate action since, to date, more than 16,000 cases have been reported in 75 countries, according to the director general. of said institution, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Case in Mexico
On May 28 of this year, the Undersecretary for Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, confirmed the first case of monkeypox has been reported in Mexico City.
What is monkeypox?
The Merck Manual notes that the origin of monkeypox is unknown. Although it is called monkeypox, it does not reside in apes. It is believed to be transmitted by small rodents or squirrels in the tropical rain forests of Africa.
One theory is that it increased because people no longer get the smallpox vaccine (which helped prevent the spread of monkeypox).
In 2003, there was an outbreak of monkeypox in the United States. It all happened when rodents with the virus were imported from Africa.
Sick animals passed the virus to prairie dogs who then infected people.
The disease is probably transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of the infected animal.
warning symptoms
The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox.
- It starts with fever and chills. After 3 days of these symptoms, rashes appear (usually starting on the face and spreading to the body).
- There is headache, muscle pain, back pain and extreme fatigue.
- In monkeypox, the lymph nodes are swollen.
- The spots turn into blisters that have pus.
- This illness lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
The advisor on Disease Prevention and Control of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and epidemiologist, Enrique Pérez, points out “this disease manifests itself with a pustular eruption and is a systemic disease that can range from a mild form to a more serious disease. and even death.”