The number of monkeypox cases appears to be rising, with dozens more cases appearing every day. However, researchers have not yet determined how the virus is transmitted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition can affect the eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth.
The latest outbreak of the virus is the largest outside West Africa to date, raising fears that it could spread to endemic proportions.
Most cases show a rash on the soles of the hands and feet, according to the CDC. In some cases, the rash can spread to the mucous membranes inside the eyes and mouth. Transmission of the monkeypox virus to humans is believed to occur mainly through large respiratory droplets.
Since the drops cannot travel more than a few feet, prolonged frontal contact is necessary for delivery.
The CDC explains: “The rash usually starts within one to three days of the onset of the fever. The rash tends to be focused on the face and extremities rather than the trunk. It affects the face in 95% of cases and the palms on the hands and feet in 75% of cases The mucous membranes of the mouth are also affected in 70% of cases, the genitals in 30% of case, the conjunctiva in 20%, as well as the cornea. When the rash spreads to the oral mucosa, it can appear in the skin layer inside the mouth, including the cheeks and lips. ”
It is noted that “the rash develops successively from macules to vesicles, pustules, and crusts that dry out and fall off.”
The number of lesions can vary from a few to several thousand, and in severe cases they can coalesce up to shed large portions of skin.
Dr. said. Claire Morrison, a clinical expert at MedExpress, told Express: “The initial symptoms of monkeypox are similar to the typical symptoms of any viral infection. These include fever, headache, muscle and back pain, glandular inflammation and fatigue, so it can be difficult to diagnose early.
In early research, scientists also discovered that monkeypox infection can affect the lungs during infection.
The findings, published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, show that infection may increase the production of protective media associated with inflammation.
The monkeypox virus has also been shown to reduce the production of proteins that maintain healthy lung tissue.
“Going into this study, we thought that monkeypox primarily causes disease by inducing inflammation in the lungs, and leading to pneumonia,” said lead author Joseph Brown, a systems biologist in the Pacific. Northwest National Laboratory.
“We were surprised to see the extent of damage caused by the virus to the structural integrity of the lungs,” he added.
However, Morrison is sure that the symptoms are rarely severe and usually disappear within two to four weeks.
“It is probably dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, children and pregnant women, because it can spread to the fetus,” he added.
Source: express
Source: Arabic RT
