What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same genus as the variola virus that causes smallpox. While monkeypox shares some similarities with smallpox, it is generally less severe and less contagious.
Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, which is how the disease got its name, although rodents are the primary carriers of the virus in the wild. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, monkeypox has become endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, particularly in forested regions where humans come into close contact with animals.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Monkeypox symptoms usually begin 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, with the illness typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks. The disease can be divided into two periods:
- The Invasion Period (0-5 days):
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes (a key feature that distinguishes monkeypox from smallpox)
- Chills and exhaustion
- The Eruptive Stage (1-3 days after fever):
- A rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- The rash progresses through different stages, from macules (flat, red spots) to papules (raised bumps), vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules (pus-filled lesions), and finally scabs that fall off as the skin heals.
Transmission of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal, person, or contaminated materials. Animal-to-human transmission can occur via bites or scratches, direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals, or through the consumption of undercooked meat and other animal products.
Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirectly through contaminated materials like bedding. The virus can also cross the placenta, leading to congenital monkeypox.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. However, because monkeypox is closely related to smallpox, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed for smallpox may be effective. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide 85% protection against monkeypox, and in some cases, it is used to control outbreaks.
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus.
- Practicing good hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and water.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals.
- Avoiding contact with materials that have been in contact with a sick animal or person.
Monkeypox Outbreaks
1. Endemic Regions (Central and West Africa):
Monkeypox outbreaks have been reported sporadically in several African countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. The disease remains a public health concern in these regions due to the close interaction between humans and wildlife, limited healthcare resources, and the lack of widespread vaccination.
2. 2022 Global Outbreak:
In May 2022, the world witnessed an unusual outbreak of monkeypox, with cases reported in countries where the disease is not endemic. The outbreak started in the United Kingdom and quickly spread to other countries in Europe, North America, and beyond. As of mid-2023, more than 80,000 cases have been confirmed in over 110 countries, marking the largest-ever outbreak of monkeypox outside Africa.
The 2022 outbreak was characterized by:
- A high proportion of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), although anyone in close contact with an infected person is at risk.
- Transmission primarily through close contact, including sexual contact, rather than the more traditional animal-to-human transmission seen in endemic regions.
- A shift in the geographical distribution of cases, with most occurring in Europe and the Americas rather than Africa.
3. Public Health Response:
In response to the 2022 outbreak, public health authorities implemented a range of measures, including:
- Enhanced surveillance and case reporting.
- Targeted vaccination campaigns for high-risk groups.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the symptoms and transmission of monkeypox.
- Isolation of confirmed cases and contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus.
The Future of Monkeypox
The 2022 outbreak highlighted the potential for monkeypox to spread globally, particularly in a world interconnected by travel and trade. While the disease remains relatively rare and less contagious than other viral diseases like COVID-19, the outbreak underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness. Continued surveillance, research into effective treatments and vaccines, and global cooperation are essential to preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health.
Monkeypox is a serious, albeit rare, viral disease with the potential to cause significant outbreaks, especially in regions where it is endemic. The global spread of monkeypox in 2022 has raised awareness of the disease and highlighted the importance of a coordinated public health response to prevent further transmission. By understanding the symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from this emerging threat.
Featured Image: Image by brgfx on Freepik
