What is monkeypox, and should you be worried?

Well, there is another virus on the loose. How bad is it, and what exactly is it? Here is what you need to know.

WHO has raised the alarm about the monkeypox outbreak to the highest level. It is now a public health emergency of international concern. This means that all countries need to coordinate a policy to control the spread of the monkeypox virus. Currently, there are about 16,000 cases of monkeypox worldwide.

Monkeypox is most similar to smallpox. Smallpox was a virus that survived 3000 years and was eradicated in the 1980s through vaccination. Monkeypox is a milder version - it is not as fatal as smallpox and does not spread that easy.

Monkeypox symptoms are rash, fever, body ache, headaches and lack of energy. Anyhow, a person who catches the virus is 99% likely to survive. Nonetheless, the virus can be fatal for children below the age of 8 years.

The virus spreads like COVID - through human-to-human transmission. The risk and alarm do not seem too high. However, studies have suggested that the virus can mutate into a much deadlier version if not taken care of immediately.

The cure for the virus is a modified version of the smallpox vaccine used in the 1980s, which is expected to be 85% effective.

The virus is not as fatal and does not seem to be a significant concern. Regardless, it is recommended to isolate and avoid contact with people with who the virus has infected.

In terms of how worried you should be, do you remember Black Fungus? No? Exactly. Monkeypox is a mild virus which can mutate into something much worse. However, it is not something to panic over.