In recent years, monkeypox has emerged as a growing concern with outbreaks occurring beyond its traditional boundaries, capturing global attention. Understanding this zoonotic disease is crucial in preventing its spread.
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness similar to smallpox.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It shares similarities with smallpox but is generally less severe.
Statistics
The incidence of monkeypox has been rising, with notable outbreaks in various parts of the world, including Africa, the United States, and Europe.
History of Monkeypox
Monkeypox was first identified in laboratory monkeys in Denmark 1958, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) from a nine month old baby.
Although monkeypox has not caused pandemics on the scale of smallpox, it has led to several outbreaks, primarily in Central and West African countries. Recent years have seen cases spreading to other regions, often linked to international travel or imported animals.
- 2003 U.S. Outbreak: The first recorded cases of monkeypox outside of Africa occurred in the United States in 2003. The outbreak was linked to pet prairie dogs that had been housed with imported African rodents.
- 2017 Nigerian Outbreak: After nearly 40 years without reported cases, Nigeria experienced a significant outbreak beginning in 2017, which resulted in numerous cases and fatalities.
- 2022-2023 Global Outbreak: In 2022, there was an unexpected rise in monkeypox cases in non-endemic countries, including several European nations and the United States, raising global health concerns, it seems the global outbreak as per NPR can be linked back to the 2017 outbreak .
Did you Know?
- The name “monkeypox” originates from its initial discovery in laboratory monkeys, officially the natural reservoir of the virus.
- Monkeypox can affect various animal species, including squirrels, rats, and non-human primates.
Causes and Risk Factors
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous/mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, contact with body fluids, or contaminated materials.
Risk Factors:
Factors that increase the risk of contracting monkeypox include:
- Close contact with infected animals or humans
- Handling bushmeat
- Traveling to areas with known monkeypox cases
- Living in or near forested areas where domesticated animals have the potential to come to contact with wild animals.
Symptoms
The symptoms of monkeypox typically appear 5-21 days after exposure to the virus and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Rash
Rash begins as a flat sore which develops into a blister filled with liquid, it spreads to other parts of the body, evolving from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of monkeypox is based on clinical symptoms and can be confirmed with laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral DNA, and serology tests to identify antibodies.
Early detection is vital for effective management and containment of the disease. Healthcare providers should be alert to symptoms, especially in patients with recent travel history to endemic areas.
Treatment and Management
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Care is mainly supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral medications like tecovirimat (approved for smallpox treatment) may be used under compassionate use guidelines .
Management: Patients diagnosed with monkeypox should be isolated to prevent transmission. Their close contacts should be monitored for symptoms and may require isolation.
New Advances: Ongoing research aims to develop more effective treatments and vaccines to combat monkeypox.
Prevention
- Avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates
- Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected patients
- Taking the smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection against monkeypox.
- Public health initiatives focus on surveillance, rapid response to outbreaks, and educating communities about prevention measures.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease with significant health implications, but it can be managed and prevented through awareness and appropriate measures. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can mitigate the impact of monkeypox and protect public health.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). “Monkeypox.”
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Monkeypox.” https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
Mayo Clinic. “Monkeypox – Symptoms and Causes.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/monkeypox/symptoms-causes/syc-20579891
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Monkeypox.”
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/monkeypox
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Monkeypox Outbreaks.”
https://history.nih.gov/display/history/Monkeypox+Outbreaks
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Monkeypox Treatment.” Accessed June 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/treatment.html
NPR. “A Doctor in Nigeria Tried to Warn the World That Monkeypox Had Become a Global Threat.” https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/07/28/1114183886/a-doctor-in-nigeria-tried-to-warn-the-world-that-monkeypox-had-become-a-global-t.