The ongoing outbreak of monkeypox has surpassed 100,000 cases in over 120 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency, and the Hong Kong government is urging the public to stay vigilant as more cases continue to arise.
1. What is Monkeypox?
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus called monkeypox virus. Since May 2022, mpox has spread globally, with cases reported from countries without previously documented mpox transmission. The spread in most countries today is from people and not animals.
2. How is monkeypox transmitted?
The disease mainly spreads from person to person through close contact. This includes, but isn’t limited to, sexual contact. Transmission occurs through exposure to bodily fluids; lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat; respiratory particles; and contaminated objects.
In areas where animals carry the virus, mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It's found in tropical rainforests in central, east and west Africa, where small mammals such as squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and various species of monkeys may be carriers.
3. What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Mpox typically causes a fever, a rash resembling pimples or blisters and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually appear within a week of exposure but can take anywhere from 1 to 21 days to develop.
The illness often begins with a feverish phase lasting 1 to 3 days with symptoms including intense headache, swollen lymph nodes back pain, muscle aches and severe fatigue. The first stage is followed by the skin eruption stage, lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Lesions evolve from macules (lesions with a flat base) to papules (raised firm painful lesions) to vesicles (filled with clear fluid) to pustules (filled with pus), followed by scabs or crusts. They can leave scars. For some people, the first symptom of mpox is the rash.
Some people with mpox become very sick and it can even be fatal in some cases. Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox.
4. Prevention and treatment
Prevention and control of mpox rely on raising awareness in communities and educating health workers to prevent infection and stop transmission.
To prevent spread, close contact with people who have mpox or with contaminated materials should be avoided. Masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment should be worn while taking care of the sick, whether in a health facility or at home.
Where animal-to-human transmission is possible, contact with sick or dead animals should be avoided, and all foods containing animal meat or parts must be properly cooked before consumption.
5. Can wearing a mask reduce the chance of infection from monkeypox?
Respiratory droplet transmission is one way monkeypox can spread, so wearing a mask can effectively reduce the risk of infection. While ordinary disposable masks can filter and block bacteria and viruses, their protective duration is limited, requiring timely replacement. Additionally, these masks are difficult to decompose, leading to lasting environmental pollution.
In response, INNOTIER has tested our INNOSHIELD mask for its efficacy against monkeypox. Recently, INNOTIER's TXM99 and SXM99 antiviral masks have been tested to inhibit and eliminate 99.6% of monkeypox virus within 4 hours, even after 500 washes.
As a growing brand with a purpose, we are dedicated to safeguarding everyone not just through our masks, but through “fashion that protects” using our patented silver woven technology.
INNOTIER's patented 99.9% silver fabric is not only used in protective products like masks but also in everyday fashion apparel, making it the top choice for health-conscious, hygiene-focused, and stylish individuals in the new normal of the pandemic.
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How to stay Germ-Free in Hong Kong?