What you need to know about monkey pox

*Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, that belongs to the same family of viruses that includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. The natural reservoir  remains unknown. However, African rodent species are expected to play a role in transmission.*

 **Transmission
 
Usually  by direct contact with infected animals or possibly by eating poorly cooked meat from an infected rodent or monkey.
**
 **Person-to-person transfer Possible  by infected respiratory droplets possible but not often documented. Although infrequent, can be reduced or prevented by avoiding direct physical contact with the patient and having the patient’s caregivers wear gloves and face masks.***

 *Signs & Symptoms

Fever, sweating, malaise,  cough, nausea, and shortness of breath. After 2-4 days  a rash with papules and pustules develops most often on the face and chest including mucus membranes inside the nose and mouth. These  pox lesions can ulcerate, and then begin to heal in about 14-21 days. In addition, lymph nodes usually swell and some pox lesions may die.*

 *Prevention

Preventive Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with Monkeypox virus include avoiding contact with infected animals  especially those that are sick or found dead in areas where Monkeypox occurs. The public is advised to always wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals or when caring for sick relatives humans .*
Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs call this number 08037170614, 09087106072, if u suspect monkey pox