World Health Organisation: Monkeypox treatment developed

The following is a continuation
of information from the World Health Organisation concerning monkeypox

Why is this disease called monkeypox?
The disease is called “monkeypox” because it was first identified in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958.
It was only later detected in humans in 1970.

Is there a vaccine against monkeypox?
Yes, a vaccine was recently been approved for preventing monkeypox.
Some countries are recommending vaccination for persons at risk.
Many years of research have led to development of newer and safer vaccines for an eradicated disease called smallpox, which may also be useful for monkeypox.
One of these has been approved for prevention of monkeypox.
Only people who are at risk (for example someone who has been a close contact of someone who has monkeypox) should be considered for vaccination.
Mass vaccination is not recommended at this time.
While the smallpox vaccine was shown to be protective against monkeypox in the past, current data on the effectiveness of newer smallpox/monkeypox vaccines in the prevention of monkeypox in clinical practice and in field settings are limited.
Studying the use of vaccines for monkeypox wherever they are used will allow for rapid generation of additional information on the effectiveness of these vaccines in different settings.

Can children get monkeypox?
Children can catch monkeypox if they have close contact with someone who has symptoms.
Data from previously affected countries show that children are typically more prone to severe disease than adolescents and adults.
There have been a small number of children with monkeypox in the current outbreak.

What are the risks of monkeypox during pregnancy?
More research is needed to better understand the risks of monkeypox during pregnancy, and how the virus can be passed to the fetus in the womb or to the newborn during or after birth or while breastfeeding.
Available information suggests that contracting monkeypox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus.
If you are pregnant, avoid close contact with anyone who has monkeypox.
Anyone who has close contact with someone who is infectious can get monkeypox, regardless of who they are.
If you think you have been exposed to or are showing symptoms that could be monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider.
They will help you get tested and access the care you need.

Can I continue to breastfeed if I have been diagnosed with monkeypox?
If you have confirmed or suspected monkeypox and you are breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider for advice.
They will assess the risk of transmitting monkeypox as well as the risk of withholding breastfeeding to your infant.
If it is possible for you to continue to breastfeed and have close contact, they will advise you on how to reduce the risk by taking measures such as covering your lesions and wearing a mask to reduce the risk of passing on the virus.
The risk of infection will need to be carefully balanced with the potential harm and distress caused by interrupting breastfeeding and close contact between parent and child.
It is not yet known whether the monkeypox virus can be spread from parent to child through breastmilk; this is an area in need of further study.

Can the monkeypox virus be spread through a blood transfusion?
You should never give blood when feeling sick.
If you have an appointment to give blood, self-assess your health and monitor any symptoms of monkeypox and reschedule
your appointment if you don’t feel well.
There are strict protocols in place for when people can give blood.
The prospective donor is asked questions about how they feel, and any symptoms they are currently experiencing.
This is done to reduce the risk of anyone with an infectious disease giving blood.
There have not been any reports of monkeypox spreading through blood transfusions.