In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the monkeypox outbreak, including how the virus is spread and what you can do to protect yourself from infection.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (meaning it’s transmitted from animals to humans) that was first discovered in humans in 1970. The virus has similarities with smallpox, although it is generally less contagious and causes less severe illness.
Monkeypox is unlikely to cause another global pandemic, but the fear of another outbreak is naturally causing alarm in the aftermath of the coronavirus lockdown.
Monkeypox symptoms are usually mild, although the virus can cause severe medical complications and fatalities. Health officials have warned that monkeypox cases could accelerate in the coming months as cases spread across Europe.
Could Monkeypox cause another pandemic?
Monkeypox is unlikely to cause another global pandemic, but the fear of another outbreak is naturally causing alarm in the aftermath of the coronavirus lockdown.
Monkeypox symptoms are usually mild, although the virus can cause severe medical complications and fatalities. Health officials have warned that monkeypox cases could accelerate in the coming months as cases spread across Europe.
What are Monkeypox symptoms?
The monkeypox virus causes symptoms similar to those seen in patients with smallpox, although it is usually less severe. The symptoms of monkeypox usually last between 2 and 4 weeks.
The NHS website lists the first symptoms of monkeypox as:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
What does Monkeypox look like?
A rash typically develops 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear. In most cases, the rash starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The monkeypox rash is described as looking like pimples or blisters.
What are the symptoms of smallpox?
The symptoms of smallpox are similar to monkeypox and usually include:
- Fever
- Body aches and pains
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Pus-filled blisters
Can Monkeypox kill you?
Monkeypox may lead to a range of medical complications including secondary infections like bronchopneumonia and sepsis.
The virus can cause severe complications in some cases and the fatality ratio is around 3-6% according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
How do people catch Monkeypox?
WHO states that monkeypox is passed to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. They add that the virus can be transmitted following contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.
The NHS say that monkeypox can also be spread through:
- Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox infection
- Touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs
- The coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox infection
How long can a virus live outside of a host?
According to medical experts, poxviruses can survive for a long time outside the body. This makes surfaces such as bedsheets and door handles potential vectors of transmission.
This is why it is so important to avoid contact with people who may have the virus.
How can we protect ourselves against the virus?
The UK government has called the current monkeypox outbreak “significant and concerning.” According to the CDC, there are no specific treatments available to cure the monkeypox infection and treatment is primarily focused on relieving symptoms.
The easiest way to protect yourself against monkeypox is by taking steps to reduce your risk of exposure and infection. Here are some key things you can do today to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Maintain good hygiene standards. Wash your hands regularly using soap and water or use a quality hand sanitiser.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is unwell and may have the monkeypox virus.
- Keep your distance from stray animals, especially animals that appear unwell.
What should I do if I think I have monkeypox?
The latest government guidance says that people who are at high risk of having caught the infection should self-isolate for 21 days. People who have had “unprotected direct contact or high-risk environmental contact” should also isolate for 21 days.
If you have any symptoms of the virus, self-isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider or call 111 for advice.
Do cleaning products kill the monkeypox virus?
The medical community is growing increasingly concerned by the number of monkeypox cases. There is also evidence to suggest that the virus can be spread through airborne particles, not just direct touch contact as previously thought. Advanced cleaning solutions are urgently needed to protect people against the virus.
Does hand sanitiser kill Monkeypox?
Quality hand sanitisers are made from high-grade disinfectant solutions that will kill the Monkeypox virus on contact.
For instance, Byotrol INVIRTU Hand Foam Sanitiser has been specially formulated to kill 99.99% of common germs and viruses (including the Monkeypox virus) to prevent cross-contamination. It is a fantastic alternative to alcohol-based sanitisers.
How to clean contaminated clothing and linen
Washing contaminated clothing and linen in a washing machine with regular laundry detergent should be sufficient. Follow these tips to stay safe when handling contaminated fabrics:
- Keep contaminated items separate from the rest of your laundry
- Make sure contaminated items go through the entire wash, rinse and dry cycle
- Limit contact and wear gloves when handling contaminated items
Byotrol: Offering exceptional antimicrobial protection
Byotrol is an all-in-one hygiene solution that provides lasting protection due to its unique and innovative formula. The innovative Byotrol solution has been specifically formulated to kill 99.9% of known bacteria and viruses.
Proven protection against Monkeypox
Byotrol is pleased to confirm that several of its products have passed the European test standard EN 14476 against the Vaccinia virus, which is part of the same family as monkeypox.
The efficiency test took place at Byotrol’s state of the art laboratories at their headquarters in Chester, UK.
Leading Byotrol products
Here are some of the Byotrol products have been confirmed to be 99.99% effective against all enveloped viruses (including monkeypox): Byotrol 4-in-1 multi purpose disinfectant cleaner, ANIGENE HLD4V disinfectant cleaner, and INVIRTU Alcohol Free Hand Foam Sanitiser.
Byotrol products are becoming the first port of call against the monkeypox outbreak.
Get in touch for cleaning and sanitation advice
At Ultima, we offer a wide range of specialist cleaning and sanitation products from leading brands like Byotrol. Our professional cleaning products offer the ultimate protection against viruses including monkeypox.
You can also get in touch with our professional cleaning team if you would like expert cleaning and sanitation advice. We are always happy to answer any questions!
Looking for quality sanitation products?
Visit the Ultima Store to browse our collection of sanitisation products and have items delivered directly to your home or business facility.
