10 Things to Know about Monkeypox

With the extermination of smallpox in 1980 and the consequent termination of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has been identified as a viral disease. The symptom of this disease is similar to that of smallpox; however, it is less fatal.  Monkeypox was first found in 1958 and it spreads from animals to humans. It mainly occurs in central and west Africa, which is in proximity to rainforests. Here are 10 things to know about monkeypox. Read on!

• The pathogen

Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. The central African (Congo Basin) clade and the west African clade are the two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus. Among the two Congo Basin clades is more transmissible and hence more severe. Cameroon is the only country where clades of both virus were found.

• Natural Host of Monkeypox Virus

Various animal species such as tree squirrels, rope squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, non-human primates and other species are susceptible to the monkeypox virus. The natural history of the monkey virus is still unknown, therefore further research is going on to understand its exact process of circulation in nature. 

• Outbreak

In the year 1970, monkeypox in humans was first identified in a 9-month-old boy of Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ever since the first case, the majority of cases have been reported from rainforest areas of the Congo Basin specifically all across central and west Africa. 11 African countries have reported human cases of monkeypox since 1970. The first human case of monkeypox outside Africa outbreak was experienced in the United States of America in 2003. It was found that the case was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. Further, it was reported that the outbreak claimed 70 cases of monkeypox. Since 2017, Nigeria has witnessed a large outbreak of monkeypox with over 200 confirmed cases and 500 suspected cases. Continuous cases in various countries such as the United Kingdom (September 2018, December 2019, May 2021 and May 2022), Singapore (May 2019) and the United States of America (July and November 2021) have been reported so far.  

• Transmission

The transmission from animals to humans may occur on direct exposure to the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Studies have shown that in Africa, many animal species such as tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian pouched rats, and diverse species of monkeys are found to be infected by the monkeypox virus. Animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission can occur from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Even though the original source of spread of the virus is still unknown, rodents are most likely to be the main cause. In Africa, evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in many animals including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, different species of monkeys and others. Other possible risk factors include eating infected animal products, inadequately cooked meat and other animals or exposure to infected animals. In the case of humans, the transmission may be due to prolonged face-to-face contact, respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated objects. Therefore, those who are in direct contacts such as household members, health workers and other close contacts are at greater risk. In the community, it can be transmitted from 6 to 9 successive person-to-person, from mother to fetus or during close contact during and after birth.

• Signs and symptoms

The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. However, its symptoms last for around 2 to 4 weeks. The first five days are categorized by flu- symptoms of intense headache, fever, back pain, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), myalgia (muscle aches) and intense asthenia (lack of energy). Secondary infections which include bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and infection of the cornea with ensuing loss of vision might also occur in some cases.

• How is monkeypox diagnosed?

The first visual symptom of monkeypox is a rash illness, which may often be identified as measles or chickenpox. Nevertheless, monkeypox is usually distinguished from other poxes by swollen lymph. Further, a blood sample check and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is recommended for diagnosis.

• Is monkeypox curable?

As of now, there are no treatments available for curing monkeypox. However, antiviral drugs developed to protect smallpox may be used along with antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Several investigations for treating monkeypox are still in progress.

• Is monkeypox fatal?

The outbreak (2022) of monkeypox in West Africa has infected many. As per WHO reports around 35,000 cases from 92 countries and territories along with 12 deaths have been reported so far. Further, the disease may cause other problems as well like pneumonia and infections in the brain (encephalitis) or eyes, which can be fatal.

• How do you prevent the monkeypox virus?

Although the use of the smallpox vaccine is limited due to its clinical trials, it may be used to provide protection and prevent the severity of the disease. The spread of the monkeypox virus can be prevented by limiting person-to-person contact and reducing human contact with infected animals. The appropriate way to prevent the spread of the virus is by:

• Raise awareness about its spread 
• Practice good hygiene by frequently washing hands
• Use a face mask to cover the mouth and nose
• Disinfect the surfaces that are frequently being touched.
• Avoiding contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals)
• Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus

• Selfcare Tips

If have monkeypox symptoms, there are over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better, including:

• If you’re found infected, then isolate yourself. 
• Stay at home, and wear a face mask around others. Until all of your lesions have been scabbed, avoid contact with others.
• To limit the spread, cover lesions or use a bandage.
• Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can help reduce fever and relieve pain.
• Avoid contact with pets (especially rodents).

Final words

All countries must ensure that their people are ready to face the monkeypox virus through proper awareness, surveillance, careful monitoring and testing and risk reduction measures. Further, it’s the responsibility of all citizens to act responsibly and follow all the instructions to prevent its further transmission.