Monkeypox is a kind of rare viral disease that has been grabbing the attention of the whole world due to the comparison of the disease with smallpox and the risk associated with it.This disease was exclusively African, but its wave has been seen elsewhere also, and therefore, this has made the general public in the whole world an imperative.This article takes a step forward into monkeypox-from origin, symptoms, prevention strategies, and the actions being taken globally to curb the situation.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic infection caused by the monkeypox virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus. The disease was named from outbreaks reported in 1958, where the infections started with monkeys reared for experiments; thus, its nomenclature came from these primate hosts. Yet the reservoir hosts are squirrels and rats.
The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was mainly observed in the Central and West African regions, but it spread to the other parts of the world with the increased travel and human-animal contact recently.
How is Monkeypox Transmitted?
Monkeypox virus can be transmitted both from animals to humans and also from person to person.
Animal-to-Human Transmission
- Direct exposure through the infected animal’s blood, secretions, or lesions
- Ingestion of poorly cooked, raw, or other preparations of meat from affected animals.
Human-to Human spread.
Droplets in exhalation of the virus by the infected patient.
- Skin lesion of the virus by an infected patient
- Objects in contact by contact via clothing, bed- covers etc. surfaces.
Monkeypox spreads fewer than COVID-19 disease as it is not transmissible except if it gets in a close proximate, however, extended direct that would enable it to transmit
Monkeypox Symptoms:
Symptoms start appearing between 5 to 21 days from the time of infection, and the disease itself lasts for between 2-4 weeks. There are two stages of the appearance of symptoms:
- Early signs (invasion stage).
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes; this is another distinguishing feature from small pox
- Rash appears (eruptive phase).
- The rash first appears as pustular flat red macules that turn into bumps, blisters, and eventually dry forming a scab.
- It primarily manifests itself with rashes that initially manifest on the face then move down to the body but exclude palms and soles.
It may appear to be trivial but, in some cases, taken to be major especially if children, pregnant women or whose immunity system is debilitated.
Diagnosis and treatment
Monkeypox has no specific treatment as it is diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests, but supportive care can be given to the infected patient. Some possible support care includes:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen in case of pain or high fever.
- Fluids or intravenous therapy in case the patient suffers dehydration due to vomiting or other diarrhea related diseases.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to avert secondary bacterial infections.
Used in hospitals for patients who suffer from these viruses with significant morbidity is the antiviral drug TPOXX or tecovirimat.
Prevention and Immunization
Monkeypox
JYNNEOS that was approved for smallpox is adequate to use for monkeypox as well. Patients with risky exposures are immunized; it includes healthcare providers and likely caregivers of an infected.
- Avoid Contact with Infected Animals or Persons: Avoid contact with animals that could be infected and be cautious with an infected person.
- Hygiene Practices:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
- Personal Protective Equipment in patient care
- Safe Food Hygiene: Cook meat properly and avoid eating bushmeat.
- Isolation: The infected person should isolate themselves until the sores are fully healed.
Recent Outbreaks and International Response
This condition of monkeypox emerged as a headline in 2022 after breaking out in other countries outside of Africa, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and some European nations, causing public anxiety because it broke out outside its endemic regions.
The outbreak has led the WHO and other health authorities globally to heighten surveillance, immunization drives, and public sensitization programs. All these are done so that there is early detection of cases, tracing contacts, and most importantly preventing further outbreaks.
Comparison between Monkeypox and Smallpox
Monkeypox and smallpox share similar clinical presentation, but the following have differences:
- Morbidity: Monkeypox is relatively mild with minimal mortality rate; smallpox is quite severe with high mortality rate as well.
- Mode of Transmission: Monkeypox shows relatively lower transmissibility from the monkey to man, when compared to smallpox.
- Symptoms : In monkeypox, swollen lymph nodes are observed and there is no such symptom in case of smallpox
Public Health Impact
These epidemics of monkeypox exemplify the preparedness of the whole world toward health. The infection presents problems with the delivery of the health care system, primarily in areas with a lack of resources, for example, areas lacking vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
This stigma also results in restraint control regarding the spread of the virus. Education to the public will eliminate fear and myths concerning this disease.
Key Takeaways
Monkeypox is one of the severe viral infections that, although less common, draws both individual and health systems’ attention. Hygiene, vaccination, and early detection are some of the ways of controlling its spread.
Global cooperation and investment in research are essential to better understand the disease to ensure proper prevention and treatment. Information and preventive measures may reduce the risk factors associated with monkeypox and ensure public health is protected.
Conclusion
Monkeypox reminds us that human health and animal health go together. The challenge remains emerging infectious diseases, which will continue to pose the problem, and all we can do is demand more resilient healthcare systems and promote international cooperation to address and manage such risks. Vigilant and committed to public health, we shall create a safer, healthier future.
