Houston, USA: WHO has declared the current Monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. As of August 9, 2022, nearly 32,000 cases have been reported worldwide, including India and the US. Several health agencies around the world are responding to contain the spread and prevent infections.
Monkey pox is caused by a virus that is much more difficult to contract from person to person. Monkeypox is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which includes the virus that causes smallpox. Although the risk of acquiring monkeypox is low, this infection is a public health problem whose burden can be reduced through appropriate practices.
Q1. How is monkey pox spread? Monkeypox virus is usually spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as mucus or saliva, or skin lesions (eg, sexual contact). Some superbroadcast events include air travel, large gatherings, and sex with multiple partners.
P2. Who is at risk for monkeypox? Anyone who has close and prolonged contact with an infected person is at risk. The virus can spread through close skin-to-skin contact. Although monkeypox can be transmitted during sexual activity (in young men and adults), it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it can be acquired from other sources. Common modes of transmission include close contact with infected people or contaminated items used in offices, restaurants and parties.
P3. What are the symptoms of monkey pox? The symptoms of monkey pox are similar to the symptoms of smallpox, but milder. The incubation period for monkeypox is about 7 days and symptoms develop in 17 days. Most patients show mild “flu-like” symptoms with fever, malaise, headache and fatigue, often with swollen lymph nodes. Skin lesions appear after infection as a rash with small firm or “gummy” bumps on the face, mouth, eyes, hands or genitals. In addition to pain in the anorectal and sexual regions, sore throat and tonsillitis have also been reported.
Q4. How to prevent the spread of infection? With proper personal hygiene, the risk of transmission of monkeypox is low. Patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox infection should be immediately masked, their lesions covered with a sheet, and placed in isolation. They should avoid close contact with others until the skin lesions heal completely, which can take several weeks.
Q5. Are there tests for Monkeypox? Tests for monkeypox are limited; therefore, individual diagnosis, containment and prevention are challenging. Any unusual “skin lesions” on the face, mouth, hands and genitals, especially in the anogenital area, should be investigated. As with smallpox, people with chickenpox must remain in isolation for the duration of the illness, which usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Q6. What is the current treatment for monkey pox? For most patients, monkeypox is not life-threatening. Mortality is rare. Treatment is symptomatic, including analgesics. Currently, there are no approved antivirals for monkeypox. Tecovirimat, an anti-smallpox drug, is being explored for severe disease or cases with comorbid risk factors. This drug is available under the FDA’s expanded access or “compassionate use” program.
Currently, 2 vaccines can be used to prevent smallpox: the JYNNEOS vaccine (approved by the FDA for smallpox and smallpox) and ACAM2000 (approved only for smallpox but with expanded access for use against smallpox). Both vaccines can be given as post-exposure prophylaxis up to 4 days after exposure.
The virus is not transmitted by casual contact. Research is ongoing into the possible respiratory and respiratory droplet spread of monkeypox. In general, good hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle (such as those learned from COVID-19) can protect people from viral illness.
Dr. Samba Reddy (USA)