When we are healthy and don’t have any significant issues with our health, we don’t tend to think about it very often. It just seems as if everything goes along the same one day after another but without warning, problems can strike. We may be suffering from the common cold, the flu or perhaps something even worse. At that point, our health becomes the foremost issue on our mind and we start looking for a way to feel better.
Social media has really played its part in giving warnings about illnesses and other types of health issues. Some of them can be hiding under the surface and we don’t realize that they are a problem until it is too late. In this particular case, there is something that has been around for a long time but it is now circulating once again. It is commonly found in Central and West Africa, but there have been two cases that have shown up in the United Kingdom. I’m talking about monkeypox.
The news was confirmed by Public Health England and both of the sufferers have recently traveled from Nigeria. The report states that the illness is rare and most cases have symptoms such as muscle aches, a rash and fever. More serious cases of monkeypox, however, can be very dangerous.
The deputy director of the National Infection Service, Nick Phin says that it is uncommon to see new cases. He is also saying that they are doing what they can to keep the issue from spreading.
“It is very unusual to see two cases in such a relatively short space of time. We are working hard to contact individuals, including healthcare workers, that might have come into contact with the individual to provide information and health advice,” he said.
“It is likely that monkeypox continues to circulate in Nigeria and could, therefore, affect travelers who are returning from this part of the world,” Phil continued.
Monkeypox was first diagnosed in 1970 in humans. 10% of those who come down with the disease will lose their life from it. It can be transmitted from animals to humans or from humans to humans. The methods of transmitting monkeypox include through bodily fluid and even through the air.
What should you watch for?
It is important to know the symptoms of monkeypox so that you can be aware of any problems.
The most prominent symptoms of this condition include headaches, muscle aches, fever, back pain and swollen lymph nodes. A rash typically comes with the virus and it can leave scabs.
The symptoms may also be similar to other health problems so it is best if a medical professional gets involved. If you have any concerns, make sure you speak to your doctor.