A rare viral illness, monkeypox is comparable to smallpox but usually less severe. The monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is the cause. The disease is mainly seen in western and central Africa, although reports of cases have also been made elsewhere in the world, especially during recent outbreaks.
Origin and History
The disease was initially identified as monkeypox in 1958 when it was found in lab monkeys. Nonetheless, rodents—including squirrels and rats—are thought to be the primary animal reservoirs. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was the site of the first known human case of monkeypox in 1970.
Transmission
In addition to spreading from person to person, monkeypox can also be spread from animals to humans (zoonotic transmission):
- Animal-to-Human Transmission: This kind of transmission can happen when an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions come into direct contact with a human. Eating improperly cooked meat from an infected animal can also expose humans to the virus.
- Human-to-Human Transmission: Although less frequent, respiratory droplets from extended face-to-face contact, direct contact with bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated objects such as clothing or bedding can all transfer the virus from one person to another. The placenta is another way that a mother might pass it on to her foetus.
Symptoms
Monkeypox symptoms can emerge up to 21 days after infection, but they typically start 6 to 13 days after infection. There are two distinct phases to the disease, which usually lasts two to four weeks:
- Phase of Invasion: This stage is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, aches in the muscles, back pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and excessive exhaustion.
- Phase of the Rash: Usually, a rash starts on the face and moves to other areas of the body. The rash appears in multiple stages: macules, which are flat, red patches; papules, which are raised bumps; vesicles, which are blisters filled with fluid; pustules, which are lesions filled with pus; and lastly, peeling scabs. The rash may cause pain or itching, and it may leave scars.
Diagnosis
Laboratory techniques, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which finds the virus’s DNA from samples taken from skin lesions, are used to diagnose monkeypox. A precise diagnosis is essential since the symptoms of monkeypox can mimic those of other infections, such as chickenpox or measles.
Treatment
Monkeypox does not have a specific therapy; instead, care mostly aims to reduce symptoms, avoid complications, and assist the patient during the illness. Monkeypox is being researched as a possible treatment option, though, and several antiviral medications that have proven effective against kindred viruses are being considered.
- Supportive Care: This entails treating potential secondary bacterial infections brought on by skin lesions, keeping patients hydrated, and managing discomfort.
- Antiviral Drugs: Tecovirimat, an antiviral medication created for smallpox, is authorized in certain nations to treat monkeypox. Antivirals brincidofovir and cidofovir, which have also demonstrated some efficacy in animal trials, are not commonly utilized because of the scarcity of human evidence and possible adverse effects.
- Immunisation: The JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose series developed to protect against mpox and smallpox, provides the best protection when both doses are administered. The second dose should be given four weeks after the first, and maximum protection is achieved two weeks after the second dose. If a second dose is delayed, it should be received as soon as possible to complete the series. The CDC recommends the vaccine for individuals with known or suspected exposure to mpox, those at higher risk due to sexual activity, and those with potential occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses.
Prevention
- Avoiding Animal Reservoirs: People who live in or are traveling to endemic areas should stay away from wild animals, especially rodents and non-human primates, as they may carry the virus. Important preventive actions include eating only fully cooked meat and maintaining proper cleanliness, including washing your hands frequently.
- Isolation of Affected Individuals: Those who have monkeypox should be kept apart from other people in order to stop the disease from spreading. In order to protect patients, healthcare personnel must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and make sure that contaminated objects are disposed of properly.
- Vaccination: As was previously indicated, vaccinations can be quite effective in preventing monkeypox, particularly in high-risk groups like healthcare professionals. Strategic vaccine application, like ring vaccination, can be a useful instrument in managing epidemics.
- Public Health Measures: It is imperative, particularly in endemic areas, to educate the public about the dangers of monkeypox and how to stop transmission. Systems for reporting and surveillance should be improved in order to quickly identify and address incidents.
Public Health Implications
Serious concerns about public health have been raised by the monkeypox epidemics that have occurred recently, including ones that have occurred outside of Africa. These outbreaks demonstrate how easily monkeypox could spread to new areas, especially as international travel rises. Furthermore, since smallpox was eradicated, the vaccination rate has declined, making the population more vulnerable to other orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox.
In order to contain epidemics of monkeypox, public health officials need to be on the lookout and well-prepared. This entails keeping sufficient supplies of vaccines and antiviral drugs on hand, educating healthcare professionals on how to identify and manage the illness, and creating efficient public education campaigns.
The relevance of a “One Health” approach—which acknowledges the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health—is further highlighted by the worldwide reaction to the monkeypox outbreak. Preventing future outbreaks of zoonotic illnesses requires addressing their underlying causes, which include deforestation, wildlife trading, and climate change.
Conclusion
Despite being infrequent, monkeypox is a dangerous illness with important consequences for public health. Controlling outbreaks and reducing the impact on affected people requires an understanding of the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and prevention techniques. There is promise for better management and control of monkeypox in the future with continued research, enhanced diagnostics, and the development of tailored treatments and vaccinations. But to stop the illness from becoming a bigger hazard to public health, sustained attention and a concerted international effort are necessary.
