- So far there is only one confirmed case of monkeypox in Mexico.
- It is not a new disease because it has existed since the 1950s and the first infection in humans was recorded in 1970.
- It is suspected that the smallpox vaccine could offer some protection against this disease, but the problem is that since 1972 it is no longer applied in Mexico.
In recent weeks, a disease has captured worldwide attention and has generated various expectations. It is the monkeypox or monkey pox and now the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) published an infographic to inform the most relevant aspects of the pathology and has drawn attention for its visual part.
In this case, the information is important because it contains the symptoms, duration of discomfort and known forms of transmission of the disease. The objective is to offer an overview in order to identify suspicious cases.
A “different” way of informing
Now, the UNAM infographic on monkeypox is based on the character “Mojo Jojo” from The Powerpuff Girls. Within the cartoon it is about a chimpanzee that was genetically altered. As a result he got a big brain and superior intelligence.
#MonkeyPox Once again the vaccines show great effectiveness. If you have more questions, we are waiting for you at our conference today at 2:00 p.m. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/7e434qY3Zp
– Faculty of Medicine UNAM (@FacMedicinaUNAM) June 2, 2022
For its part, it is not the first time that the highest house of studies shares information about this disease. In the past you have mentioned that at the moment There is no specific treatment against the virus that causes monkeypox, although there are some antivirals that have been tried.
In the event that the outbreak begins to have a greater magnitude, which is unlikely, the management that would have to be given is through vaccines against smallpox, which have existed for decades and can be mass-produced.
To stay protected, the use of face masks, hand washing and a healthy distance are recommended. The latter helps reduce the risk of acquiring this disease to almost zero. In addition, it is necessary to be attentive to the indications that the authorities may provide in this regard, go to reliable sources of information, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and avoid being in contact with or acquiring wild or exotic fauna.
It should also be mentioned that on May 28 the first case of monkeypox was confirmed in Mexico. This is a 50-year-old man with permanent residence in New York City but who recently arrived in Mexico City. It is suspected that the infection occurred in the Netherlands.
An older disease than many think
About this first case of monkeypox in Mexico, it should be remembered that it is not a new health problem in the world. The difference is that for decades it was endemic in Africa and as of 2022 it spread to other continents.
The first cases in animals occurred during the 1950s. While the first human infection was recorded in 1970 in Zaire (the territory that is currently the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Against this background, several people have wondered if the smallpox vaccine might work to provide protection. The answer is yes, although one of the problems is that since 1972 it is no longer applied in Mexico.
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in samples of wet or dry exudate from skin lesions, preferably fluid from vesicles or pustules; alternatively, the scabs.