Monkeypox is a rare virus disease, which is similar to smallpox family. Monkeypox is mainly found in Central and West Africa. Recently, Scientists and Researchers as reported the out-break of Monkeypox in to the world. Monkeypox is not life threating as Corona but sudden outbreak as raised the questions.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is one of the rare disease since 1958. It was first reported in the monkeys during lab research hence the name originated Monkeypox. Monkeypox is caused due to Monkeypox virus. The common symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox i.e skin rashes, flu, fever. As stated Monkeypox is similar to the virus Smallpox, which is a member of orthopoxvirus family.
Scientist knew about Monkeypox since 1958, when it was first discovered during the laboratory test while researching over Monkeys. Monkeypox was not a common disease in the world apart from Central and West Africa but sudden outbreak of Monkey Pox has raised the concern.
Monkeypox Outbreak
Health Officials have reported sudden outbreak of Monkeypox outside Africa in May 2022. IN late July WHO has reported more than 15,000 cases of Monkeypox worldwide. Around 70 countries in the world where monkeypox is not endemic have reported more than 20,000 cases in last 4 days.
In US, 1st Monkeypox case was reported on 18 May 2022 and till now more than 5500 cases have been reported in more than 46 states out of which highest cases are recorded in california.
Till now, around 10 deaths have been reported due to Monkeypox. Studies are currently underway to further understand the epidemiology, sources of infection, and transmission patterns.
Monkeypox Key facts
a. Evidence have stated that vaccines used to treat smallpox eradication programme also provide the protection against the Monkeypox effectively. Newer vaccines for treating Monkeypox is being developed out of which one has been approved for prevention of monkeypox.
b. Monkeypox virus, is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae which cause Monkeypox disease.
c. Monkeypox disease can be self-limitd. Monkeypox symptoms usually last from 2 to 4 weeks. However severity of disease can increase in some case. Now a days, the fatality ratio of monkeypox case is around 3 to 6 %.
d. Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans or others through close contact with an infected person or animal from Monkeypox virus, or with any material which is contaminated with the Monkeypox virus.
e. In Humans, Monkeypox virus can be easily transmitted from one person to another by making close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
f. Monkeypox symptomps in humans typically presents fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.
How to prevent Monkeypox Spread?
These steps will help you prevent the spread of the monkeypox disease.
- Avoid contact with anyone who has a rash that looks similar to monkeypox.
- Avoid touching sheets, blankets, or clothes that have come in contact with infected animals or people.
- Separate people with monkeypox from those who are healthy.
- After coming in contact with an infected animal or person, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with animals susceptible to the virus.
A few smallpox vaccines, such as the Jynneos and ACAM2000 vaccines, can help prevent monkeypox. These vaccines can also be used to prevent monkeypox, as smallpox is caused by the same viruses that cause monkeypox.
Some health care professionals may recommend that anyone who has been exposed to monkeypox be vaccinated. People who work in laboratories and are at high risk of getting the virus may also be vaccinated.
The CDC It is not recommended that everyone be vaccinated against the monkeypox virus at this time.
How can you catch monkeypox?
Monkeypox can be spread by contact with infected animals or people. Transmission from animal to person occurs via broken skin (bites, scratches) or direct contact with infected animals’ blood, bodily fluids, or pox lesion (sores).
Although monkeypox can be spread from one person to another, it is less common. Transmission (person-to-person) is when you are infected and come into contact with sores, scabs or respiratory droplets. Researchers are still unsure if the virus can be transmitted via semen or vaginal fluids.
Monkeypox can also be contracted by contact with recently contaminated materials, such as bedding, clothing, and bedding used by an infected person or animal.
What are the treatments for monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare condition. A healthcare provider might first suspect another rash illness, such as measales and chickenpox. Monkeypox is usually distinguished by swollen lymph nodes.
Your healthcare provider will take a sample of the tissue from the lesion (open sore) to diagnose monkeypox. They then send the tissue to a laboratory for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). To test for the monkeypox virus, or any antibodies that your immune system produces in defense against it, you may need to provide a blood sample
Most people suffering from monkeypox have relief of symptoms. Drinking enough fluids and pain management may be part of the treatment.
You should isolate yourself from your family and pets if you have monkeypox until the rash and scabs clear up.
Monkeypox is not a recognized disease. Some antiviral drugs that are used in smallpox treatment, such as brincidofovir or tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be used by health care providers to treat monkeypox. Care providers might offer vaccinia immunoglobulin to those who are unlikely to respond to the vaccine. This contains antibodies from smallpox patients.
What are the complications associated with monkeypox?
The complications of Monkeypox can include:
- Scarring on the arm, face and legs
- Blindness
- Other infections
- Death, in rare cases
The West African type of monkeypox virus that was spread in the 2022 epidemic rarely causes death.
Keep in mind that monkeypox is very rare in the United States and that the virus can’t be spread between people who aren’t close to each other. If you develop a new rash, or other symptoms of monkeypox in the United States, please contact your doctor.
Is monkeypox curable?
Monkeypox usually presents as a self-limiting disease. Symptoms last from two to four weeks. Monkeypox is usually self-limiting and can be treated without any treatment. Your healthcare provider will diagnose you and monitor your condition. If necessary, they will give you antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections.
There is currently no approved antiviral treatment to monkeypox. Although antiviral drugs might be effective, they have not been tested for monkeypox. There are several investigational antivirals that have activity against monkeypox, but they are only available as part of a research project.