What is Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a virus that humans contract from animals. It presents symptoms similar to those of smallpox, but it is generally considered less severe. The first known case of monkeypox was identified in 1970. Since then, sporadic cases have continued to be reported in Central and West Africa, as well as in regions near tropical rainforests. Following the eradication of smallpox, monkeypox has become the most significant orthopox virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Monkeypox or Mpox Stay updated about the monkeypox, recognize symptoms, practice better hygiene and follow health guidelines. If it is exposed or symptomatic, seek the medical advice urgently to prevent the further spread. Here is a detailed guide to understand about this virus.
In a response for the concerning rise in the monkeypox (Mpox) cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has scheduled an emergency meeting on Thursday. This important meeting will focus on the recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the cases have surged since last September. The outbreak has also seen a new strain detected in the neighboring countries, prompting the WHO to explore the situation’s severity and decide if it poses a global health risk.
As the virus spreads across Central Africa, by understanding the implications and necessary responses becomes increasingly important. Here are some points to keep in the mind to stay alert of this virus, according to Vinayak Hospital’s consultant, Dr Harish Malhar.
Understand the basics
This virus is caused by the monkeypox virus, it is a part of orthopox virus family. It spreads through the contact with infected animals, humans or contaminated items. Transmission can occur in via respiratory droplets, skin lesions, or contaminated surfaces. Understanding these basics helps in recognizing the potential risks and practicing the effective of prevention measures.
Recognize the symptoms
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and starts spreading. The rash evolves from the spots to pustules, which is eventually scab over. Fastly recognizing these symptoms is important for timely medical intervention and isolation to prevent their spread.
Know the risk factors
High risk groups will include the young children, pregnant women and those with the weakened immune systems, who may experience more severe illness. In Recent travel to areas with the known outbreaks or contact with infected people can also increase the risk. Awareness of these factors will helps in assessing personal risk and taking preventive actions for that.
How concerned we should be about this monkeypox health emergency
Practice good hygiene Daily handwash with soap and water is important to prevent this infection. Avoid the close contact with individuals showing symptoms of the monkeypox or with animals that are potentially infected. Practice good hygiene and avoid exposure, which can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading this virus.
Consult medical advice If you develop the symptoms or have been exposed to someone with monkeypox, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Diagnostic tests can confirm the presence of this virus, enabling appropriate care and management. Fast medical intervention can improve the outcomes and help to prevent for the further transmission.
Follow health guidelines Infected individuals should isolate themselves to prevent from spreading of the virus. Health authorities might be recommend in smallpox vaccination for some people as it can offer partial protection against the monkeypox. By following these guidelines helps in control outbreaks and protect both individuals and communities.
Stay updated Monitor local health department updates and World Health Organisation (WHO) alerts for the latest information on monkeypox virus outbreaks and safety recommendations. For travelers, checking advisories about areas with the active outbreaks can help to avoid the exposure and plan appropriate precautions.
Be updated about the treatment There is no specific treatment for this monkeypox virus, but supportive care can alleviate symptoms. In serious cases, antiviral medications might be prescribed. Understanding the available treatment options and consulting medical attention for severe symptoms are important for managing this disease effectively.
Educate others Share the accurate information about monkeypox to help prevent the misinformation and promote public awareness. Educating others on symptoms, prevention and appropriate actions can contribute to reduce the spread of the virus and make sure that communities are well prepared.
Key facts :-
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral virus caused by the monkeypox virus a species of the genus Orthopox virus. Two different clades exist that are clade I and clade II
Common symptoms of mpox is a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last for 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox virus can be transmitted to humans through the physical contact with someone who is effected by the contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
Laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by the testing skin lesion material by PCR.
Mpox is treated with the supportive care. Vaccines and therapeutics developed for the smallpox and approved particularly to use in some countries that can be used for mpox in some circumstances.
In 2022–2023 a global outbreak of mpox was caused by a strain known as the clade IIb.
Mpox can be prevented by avoiding the physical contact with someone who is effected by the mpox. Vaccination can help to prevent infection for people at risk.
Diagnosis
Identifying mpox will be difficult as other infections and conditions will look similar to this virus. It is important to distinguish the mpox from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmissible infections and medication-associated allergies. Someone who is suffering with the mpox may also have another sexually transmissible infection such as herpes. A child is suspected with the mpox and also have chickenpox. For these reasons, testing is important for people to take treatment early if it is possible and prevent for the further spread.
Detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for mpox virus. The best diagnostic specimens are took directly from the rash -skin, fluid or crusts are collected by the vigorous swabbing. In the absence of skin lesions, testing will be done on the oropharyngeal, anal or rectal swabs. Testing blood is not recommended. Antibody detection methods will not be useful as they do not distinguish between different orthopox viruses.
Outbreaks
After 1970, mpox virus occurred sporadically in the Central and East Africa (clade I) and West Africa (clade II). In 2003 an outbreak in the United States of America was linked to import with the wild animals (clade II). Since 2005, thousands of suspected cases are reported in the DRC in every year. In 2017, mpox re-emerged in Nigeria and continues to spread in between people across the country and in travellers to the other destinations. Data on cases are reported up to 2021 are available here.
In May 2022, an outbreak of mpox appeared suddenly and fastly spreaded across Europe, the Americas and then all six WHO regions, with 110 countries are reporting about 87 thousand cases and 112 deaths. This global outbreak has been affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and spreaded this person-to-person through the sexual networks. More information about the global outbreak is available here with detailed outbreak data here.
In 2022, outbreaks of mpox due to the Clade I MPXV occurred in refugee camps in the Republic of the Sudan. A zoonotic origin has not been found yet.