In response to the growing concerns about the spread of the Monkeypox virus which case was allegedly recorded in the Western Region, the Ghana Health Service has provided details of the disease to allay the fears of the public.
The education postdates the Health Service’s debunking of claims circulated on social media that the region had recorded its first case when a patient reported to a facility in the Ahanta West Municipality with blisters.
The Western Regional Health Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Yaw Ofori Yeboah, noted in a disclaimer that “initial assessment of the case is not suggestive of Monkeypox” adding, “further investigations are underway”.
The Service therefore found it necessary to educate the public about the Monkeypox.
Details of the disease are as follows:.
What is Monkey pox?
The Monkeypos is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus.
How can someone get the Monkeypox?
Monkeypox virus can be spread from animal to humans by
- Coming into contact with blood, body fluids and lesions of infected animals (squirrels, rats, monkeys and others).
- Consuming poorly cooked meat and animal products of infected animals.
It can also spread from human to human through
- Droplets from coughing, sneezing etc.
- Contact with blood, body fluids and rash of infected individuals
- Contact with contaminated clothing and linens of infected individuals
How long will it take from the time of contact with an infected person or animal for one to start showing symptoms?
It can take between 5 to 21 days from the time of contact with an infected person or animal to when one starts showing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of monkey disease?
- Fever (Increased body temperature)
- Headache
- Body ache
- Weakness
- Swelling of lymph nodes
The fever is followed by the development of skin rash (within 1 to 3 days) on the entire body but is more concentrated on the face and limbs.
Characteristics of the rash
The rash varies from a few to thousands. The soles of the feet, palms of the hands, mucosal membranes, conjunctiva, cornea as well as genital may also be affected by the rash.
What happens when one gets the disease?
Most people will recover fully from the disease (which may take up to 4 weeks). It may however be mild or severe in one patient or the other and can cause death in some cases.
Prevention
- Protect yourself by avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus, including dead animal.
- Avoid eating the meat of animals that could harbour the virus or ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
- Practice good personal hygiene (including hand hygiene) always, especially after contact with infected animals or humans.
Meanwhile the Ghana Health Service has urged the public to report immediately to the nearest health facility if they experience any skin rash or any of the symptoms listed.
