Should the World Be Worried About Monkeypox?

In 1970, when smallpox was almost eradicated, a similar disease named monkeypox was identified in humans. Historically, monkeypox has been well controlled.

In recent times, outbreaks of the disease have emerged in non-endemic countries, raising concerns about the impact of the disease on public health.

Although many gains have been chalked in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is not out of the woods yet. Therefore, the emergence of other diseases with potential pandemic status, especially in these dramatically different times, is a top public health priority.

This write-up gives a brief but detailed description of monkeypox.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus which results in a pox-like disease in humans. The monkeypox virus belongs to a genus of virus called the Orthopoxvirus, which also includes variola virus (smallpox virus) and cowpox virus.

The name ‘monkeypox’ was derived from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys in 1958. Monkeypox disease was first identified in humans in 1970 in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The disease was limited in remote parts of Central and West Africa. However, cases of Monkeypox have been reported in the United States, Europe, and Australia in recent times. The disease can spread from animals to humans or humans to humans.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. With access to simple and affordable measures, monkeypox can be prevented.

How can you get Monkeypox?

Monkeypox can be caught if you are exposed to infected animals (such as rats, mice, squirrels) or humans through direct contact.

Transmission from animals to humans can occur through bites and scratches by infected animals and eating under-cooked bushmeat. The virus can spread from human to human through respiratory droplets and/or direct contact with body fluids, infected surfaces, or clothing.

There is a possible spread of the virus through sex. ‘A notable proportion’ of recent cases of monkeypox in the UK according to UK Health Security Agency have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus can enter the body through the nose, eyes, mouth, or broken skin.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

It takes an average 12 days before symptoms appear after the virus enters the body. The onset of symptoms could range from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, muscle ache, headache, anorexia, and fatigue.

Swollen lymph nodes and rash may appear within days after the onset of fever. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other body parts lasting for 2-4 weeks.

How dangerous is it?

There are two main strains of the virus – West African strain and Central African strain. Infection from the West African strain causes less severe illness.

Generally, cases of the virus are mild and clear up on their own within a few weeks. Monkeypox can sometimes be severe and has been shown to cause deaths in about 1 in 10 persons who contract the infection in Africa.

How different is monkeypox from smallpox?

Monkeypox resembles smallpox in appearance. Unlike smallpox, swollen lymph node(s) is common in monkeypox. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

What is the treatment?

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Current treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Outbreaks can be prevented or controlled using vaccination.

Smallpox vaccine has proven to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Some antiviral drugs such as Cidofovir, Tecovirimat, and Brincidofovir are useful especially in severe life-threatening cases.

Avoiding direct contact with infected persons or animals is one best way to control infection or outbreak.

Should people be worried?

Monkeypox is a disease of global concern as it is not only limited to West and Central Africa but the rest of the world. Between 13th May 22nd May 2022, 92 cases of the disease had been confirmed with 28 more suspected cases under examination.

Non-endemic countries that have recorded cases of monkeypox include the UK, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States.

In recent times, death from the disease is relatively low in the general population but higher among young children. Vaccines are available to control outbreaks. Just like many diseases, the World Health Organization supports member states with surveillance, preparedness, and outbreak response activities.

The public is advised to report suspected cases of monkeypox to the appropriate healthcare facilities for care and management.

REFERENCES

World Health Organization

UK Health Security Agency

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention