Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious infectious viral disease that can spread to humans from an animal host, such as nonhuman primates or rodents. The monkeypox virus causes monkeypox. It is not deadly; however, it can be rare. According to WHO, there have been 219 deaths in 121 countries globally since the beginning of monkeypox monitoring in 2022.
Origins and Transmission
Monkeypox was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This virus can spread from animals to humans, aka zoonotic, and human-to-human. Human-to-human transmission is more common and is the primary transmission for the 2022 outbreak.
The virus spreads through contact with an infected animal, human, or contaminated materials. It can be transmitted via:
Respiratory droplets (prolonged face-to-face contact)
Contact with bodily fluids or skin lesions of an infected person
Touching contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Monkeypox symptoms appear within 5 to 21 days of exposure and typically last 2 to 4 weeks. The disease progresses through several stages:
1. Incubation Period (0-21 days):
No symptoms are present, and the patient may feel fine.
Monkeypox is not contagious at this stage.
2. Prodromal Stage (0-5 days):
Fever, malaise, chills, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes.
A person may be contagious during this stage.
3. Rash Stage (1-5 days):
The rash typically starts on the face or inside the mouth and spreads to other body parts.
Rash progresses through the following stages:
Macules (flat, red spots) 1−2 days
Papules (raised, firm bumps) 1−2 days
Vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) 1−2 days
Pustules (pus-filled blisters) 5−7 days
Scabs 7−14 days
Many cases only have localized lesions; they may appear in clusters or be scattered. Lesions may appear in clusters or be scattered.
New lesions may continue to appear even after the first lesions have started to scab over.
A person is contagious until after all the scabs on the skin have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed underneath.
4. Crusting and Scabbing Stage (5-14 days):
Pustules crust over and form scabs
Scabs fall off, leaving behind scars in some cases. Once all scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed, the person is no longer contagious.
Diagnosing monkeypox involves clinical evaluation, blood tests, history of exposure, and laboratory tests, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of lesion samples.
Symptoms may present differently from patient to patient.
Prevention and Treatment
Currently, there is no confirmed treatment for monkeypox, but it usually goes away on its own, and supportive care and antiviral medications are utilized in severe cases. Some preventative measures that may be taken include:
Avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals
Practicing good hygiene and hand washing, especially before and after handling animals
Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings
Consult with a healthcare professional to learn if the mpox vaccine is right for you
Don't share utensils, materials, or clothing with someone who has monkeypox
Don't touch a person with a rash that looks like monkeypox.
Since 2022, monkeypox outbreaks have spread beyond endemic regions, with cases reported worldwide. It is especially concerning due to its potential for widespread transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidelines for containment, including vaccination campaigns, contact tracing, and public awareness initiatives. By utilizing early detection, proper medical care, preventive strategies, and raising awareness, monkeypox outbreaks can be controlled.
References