I. Introduction
Monkeypox is a rare disease that has caused sporadic outbreaks in humans in Central and West Africa, as well as in the US and other countries where laboratory infections have occurred. It is important to understand the mechanisms of monkeypox transmission and take necessary steps to prevent its spread. This article gives an overview of monkeypox and addresses concerns ranging from transmission to symptoms and treatment.
II. Overview
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that was first discovered in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1958. It can spread from animals to humans and from human-to-human through respiratory droplets or other bodily fluids. The symptoms resemble those of smallpox, but they are less severe.
The disease is endemic in Central and West Africa, particularly in areas of tropical rainforests where monkeys and other animals harbor the virus. In 2003, the first cases of monkeypox were reported outside of Africa, involving outbreaks in the US linked to pet prairie dogs that had acquired the virus from infected Gambian pouched rats.
III. Transmission
Monkeypox is primarily transmitted by exposure to bodily fluids, such as blood, droplets, and saliva, of infected animals like rodents, primates, and other mammals that can be intermediate hosts. Infection can also occur through contact with contaminated materials like bedding, clothing, and surfaces. One can even catch the virus by consuming undercooked meat from infected animals.
It can spread from human-to-human through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and skin-to-skin contact. People in close contact with an infected person, such as family members or healthcare workers, are at a higher risk of infection. Proper hand washing, wearing personal protective equipment, and isolation of infected persons can reduce the transmission from person to person.
IV. Causes
The primary cause of monkeypox is the virus belonging to the Orthopox virus group. The virus circulates in animals such as squirrels, rats, rabbits, and primates. When a human being comes in contact with an infected animal, the virus can be transmitted to them. Human-to-human transmission, on the other hand, is rare. The virus is deemed to be eradicated in the U.S., with only imported cases among travelers from affected regions being reported.
V. Symptoms
The symptoms of monkeypox may appear anywhere between 5 to 21 days after infection. Similarly to smallpox, the early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. Within a few days, a rash follows which starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
The disease typically lasts two to four weeks, and most people make a full recovery. However, in some severe cases, complications such as eye infections, lung, and brain inflammation have been reported, leading to death.
There are many misconceptions surrounding monkeypox, including the belief that it is the same as smallpox. This is not true, as although the viruses that causes these two illnesses are related, the symptoms of monkeypox are usually milder than smallpox.
VI. Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals diagnose monkeypox based on a person’s clinical symptoms, travel history, and exposure to animals or individuals with suspected or confirmed monkeypox. They will collect samples, such as skin swabs, and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who have been in contact with someone with monkeypox should visit their healthcare provider immediately so they can be monitored and tested as needed.
VII. Prevention
The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid exposure to the virus. Anyone who is traveling to or living in a monkeypox-endemic region should take extra care and precautions. Hand hygiene should be strictly adhered to. Items that may have come into contact with an infected person, such as bedding, clothing, and surfaces, should be sterilized appropriately. Eating properly cooked meat is also important in preventing monkeypox.
Individuals who are at an increased risk of exposure, such as laboratory workers and healthcare professionals, should take extra precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment. Additionally, vaccination is available to help reduce the risk of monkeypox transmission.
VIII. Treatment
There is currently no specific antiviral medication for the treatment of monkeypox. Instead, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, including fluids, rest, and over-the-counter fever-reducing medications. Severe cases may require hospitalization for management of symptoms, including antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
The smallpox vaccine can also act as an effective way to prevent monkeypox, and research is currently underway to assess the efficacy and safety of novel vaccines against the disease.
IX. Conclusion
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that can cause serious health complications. Still, it can be prevented by taking precautionary measures like avoiding infected animals, ensuring proper sanitation, and vaccination. Additionally, prompt medical treatment can improve a person’s chance of survival, so it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if symptoms appear. By understanding the mechanisms of transmission, medical professionals can take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox and protect the health of the general public.