What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease native to Africa. The disease is caused by a group of viruses called paramyxoviruses (Poxviridae family), known to cause other diseases such as smallpox and anthrax. Monkeypox virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and camelpox viruses.

Monkeypox is a rare and deadly viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the family of Orthopoxviridae. Human Monkeypox was first identified in the 1970s in Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 9-month-old boy. In humans, monkeypox is most often contracted in rural areas where there are many wild monkeys.

Monkeypox spreads through contact with infected animals, including monkeys and apes. Anyone can get infected with monkeypox. It can be passed from one person to another through direct contact with monkeypox lesions (skin infections) or via contaminated clothing or surfaces (fomites). When monkeys get sick, they bite other monkeys and may spread the disease to humans who come into close contact with them.

Monkeypox Outbreak: Causes of Monkeypox

The virus can be passed from one infected person to another via direct contact with the sick person’s body fluids or secretions. However, the virus is not easily spread from one person to another in close quarters, such as in a hospital.
The disease has been reported in countries surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Uganda and Rwanda. Read more about the outbreak in this link

The CDC works with partners worldwide to contain this outbreak while safely managing any remaining cases.

How is Monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox outbreaks are typically associated with wild monkeys. This is because the virus can be found in these animals’ saliva, urine, and feces. However, the virus can also be transmitted to humans through contact with bodily fluids from infected animals or from direct contact with their skin or eyes.

The most common way people contract monkeypox is by coming into contact with an infected wild animal that has been close to them for a prolonged time. For example, suppose a person comes into contact with an infected monkey and touches their face without washing their hands properly. In that case, they could potentially spread the virus to other people in the area.

Other ways that people can become infected include: coming into contact with bodily fluids from an infected animal, handling dead or dying animals, or touching other objects contaminated by dried blood or saliva from an infected animal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified countries and areas in the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 556 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Symptoms of Monkeypox:

Symptoms of the disease include skin lesions, fever, and body aches. The disease is spread through direct contact with an infected person or with infected objects. It can also be transmitted by aerosolized droplets from an infected person’s respiratory tract. It can also be spread person-to-person through coughing and sneezing.

In humans, monkeypox usually starts with a non-fatal illness that lasts from 7 to 10 days. Monkeypox is a highly contagious virus that causes a rash, fever, and fatigue. This can lead to dehydration and difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening.

A red pimple-like rash appears on the face and neck. Next, the rash spreads to the rest of the body, including the palms of hands and soles of feet. The rash generally lasts three to seven days. Within 10 days, the rash evolves into raised bumps similar to small measles lesions. These bumps can be itchy and painful. After two weeks, the bumps may develop into scabs that peel off in sheets and leave scars behind. The virus hides in the body’s lymph nodes for about a week before it is shed in urine or saliva. Shedding is highest at six days after exposure but can last up to three months.

Some people may have no or mild symptoms that clear up after about two weeks. In rare cases, people develop pneumonia or encephalitis (brain inflammation). Other people may have neurological problems such as weakness or paralysis that last for several months after they recover from the rash.

Prevention of Monkeypox:

Vaccines for monkeypox:

According to WHO officials, monkeypox can be treated with antiviral medications such as amantadine or rimantadine. However, these drugs can have serious side effects that may be life-threatening if taken without medical supervision.

The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

In July 2018, researchers at the University of Oxford reported that they developed a vaccine against monkeypox using the protective material of smallpox from WHO stocks. The vaccine was tested on monkeys and found to be 100% effective against infection when given within 24 hours of exposure to the monkeypox virus.

There are vaccines used to prevent infection:

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), also known as OPV: This live-attenuated vaccine contains weakened forms of four polioviruses (types 1, 2, 3, and 4). It is given by injection into the muscle. It effectively prevents infection in children who received all three doses of oral polio vaccine before their fifth birthday.

Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) protect against monkeypox if given within 72 hours of exposure. Vaccination with IPV does not provide immunity against monkeypox but will protect you from getting the disease if exposed; it also prevents future infections with other poliovirus strains. Therefore, it is recommended that all children receive one dose at 2 months of age, another at 4 months of age, and the final dose.

Monkeypox can be treated by the use of antiviral medication and supportive care. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for humans. Still, there have been some promising results with using a vaccine for primates such as macaques.

However, there are ways to prevent getting monkeypox, including:

• Wear a mask when handling monkeys and other primates.
• Avoid contact with wild primates and their habitats.
• Avoid contact with infected animals and their habitats.
• Vaccinate pets (including primates) against monkeypox.