What Is the monkeypox virus?

Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It causes a similar (though usually less severe) illness and is most common in central and western Africa. It was first discovered in research monkeys more than half a century ago.

The virus can spread both from animal to human and from human to human. Infection from animal to human can occur via an animal bite or by direct contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids. The virus can spread from human to human by both droplet respiration and contact with fomites (touchable surfaces) from an infected person’s bodily fluids. The incubation period is between 10 and 14 days.

Symptoms

In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Backache.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Chills.
• Exhaustion.

Transmission 

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Current risk factors for contracting monkeypox include those who:

• Travelled (within 21 days) to an area where monkeypox cases or exposures have been reported;
• Reported contact with a person who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox

Prevention

There is a number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with the monkeypox virus: 

• Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection
• Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Avoid contact with animals that could harbour the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs)
• Avoid direct contact with any materials, such as bedding or laundry, that have been in contact with a sick animal or patient
• Use appropriate personal protection equipment when caring for patients, which includes a gown, gloves, respirator, and eye protection
• Clean surfaces with Betakill

Bupo Animal Health has a disinfectant that was tested with proven efficacy against Avian pox.
Studies were compiled by Dr Rob Brag of the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science at the University of the Orange Free State in September 2000. It was concluded that the Betakill is effective against Avian Pox Virus under the conditions of high organic load and hard water conditions with a 20 minutes contact time.

BETAKILL^® Liquid

Reg. No.: G2838 Act 36/1947

DESCRIPTION:

BETAKILL^® Liquid is a broad-spectrum disinfectant containing Poly Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride.

INDICATIONS:

• For broad-spectrum disinfection of surfaces against all viruses, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, yeasts and algae
• For disinfection of the air in the housing