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Tag Archives: monkeypox


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Epidemics currently in the world

people wearing diy masks
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Here is what’s buzzing around in the microbe world:

  1. COVID-19 Pandemic (SARS-CoV-2 virus):
    • How Kids React: Some kids might get a bit sick, others might really feel it, like with MIS-C (sounds like a weird secret agent, huh?). It is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.
    • Chances of Survival: Most kids shake it off like a dance move, but some might feel its funky effects for a while.
    • In the USA?: Yup, it’s been crashing our party since January 2020, with waves that keep hitting the shore.
  2. Monkeypox Outbreak:
    • Kids’ Symptoms: Think fever, rashes, and maybe some dramatic breathing moments.
    • Chances of Getting Through It: Generally mild, but can be more severe in children, especially those with underlying conditions.
    • In the USA?: Oh yeah, it decided to monkey around here starting May 2022, and we had to sound the national emergency alarm in August 2022.
  3. Measles Outbreaks:
    • Kids’ Signs: Picture fever, cough, and a red rash that makes them look like they’ve been painting the town red.
    • Chances of a Drama-Free Ending: Generally, resolves without complications, but can lead to severe outcomes like pneumonia or encephalitis.
    • In the USA?: Yup, these outbreaks keep popping up like surprise parties in areas where folks forget to bring their vaccine invites.
  4. Influenza Epidemics:
    • How Kids Feel: Fever, cough, and all the fun stuff that makes them want to stay in bed watching cartoons.
    • The Odds of Coming Out Okay: Usually, it’s like a sniffle and a sneeze, but for some, it’s more like a marathon with hurdles.
    • In the USA?: Like clockwork, it swings by every year, sometimes hitting hard, sometimes just giving a light tap on the shoulder.
  5. Polio Outbreaks:
    • What Kids Might Feel: Fever, tiredness, and maybe a body that feels stiffer than grandpa’s old armchair.
    • The Good News?: Most cases are asymptomatic or mild, but a small percentage can lead to permanent paralysis or death.
    • In the USA?: Nope, wild poliovirus hasn’t been spotted since disco was still a thing, but there’ve been some vaccine-related scares lately.
  6. Ebola Outbreaks (mainly in Africa):
    • Kids’ Experience: Fever, headaches, and a whole lot of feeling yucky, with a chance of some scary bleeding.
    • The Outcome Odds: Highly fatal if left untreated, but improved survival with early supportive care and experimental treatments.
    • In the USA?: Nah, it hasn’t packed its bags for a US vacation, but some folks have brought it back home in their luggage after trips abroad.

Remember, the details might change depending on age, health, and how quickly you call for backup (like vaccines). Stay safe, folks!

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.


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Monkeypox and kids

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

  • direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
  • pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Current Status

World Health Organization says monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is now a global emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 2,300 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been found in the United States as of July 20. Not many pediatric cases of monkeypox have been reported but public health experts warn that no one is immune, and both pregnant women and children could catch the virus. The international public health agency notes that the overall case fatality rates have been higher among young children than in the general population, and children with medical issues or compromised immune systems are at particular risk if they get the highly contagious virus.

Takeaway:

  • Maintain hand-hygiene. Use alcohol-based sanitizers.
  • Avoid sharing clothes, towels & personal use items (bedding, cups, and utensils)
  • Keep children away from people who are infected.
  • Avoid sick animals.
  • Consult a family doctor or pediatrician if a child who has a rash with blisters has been near someone who might have monkeypox within the past three weeks or has traveled to western or central Africa within that time period.

Source: Internet, CDC, FDA, Babycenter, Medical News & Others

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.