What is MonkeyPox

Introduction

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that occurs throughout parts of Africa. The monkeypox virus has been detected in animals, including rodents, squirrels, monkeys, and others. In Africa, most people who get sick with Monkeypox are infected by animals such as rodents or squirrels. Human-to-human transmission can occur but is less common. Monkeypox infection in humans causes a disease like smallpox — although milder than smallpox — and can be fatal in some instances. No vaccine is available for the general public to prevent monkeypox infection, nor any specific treatment for the illness.

What is MonkeyPox?

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that affects primates. It’s caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is related to the smallpox virus and other Orth poxviruses, such as cowpox and vaccinia viruses.

The virus causes skin rashes and itching, fever, tiredness, and muscle aches in monkeys; it can cause more severe illness in humans if it is transmitted from animals to people. Although the disease does not appear to spread easily between people, health officials are concerned because there have been outbreaks of Monkeypox in West Africa that could spread beyond affected areas because of travel and trade with countries where monkeys are kept as pets or hunted for food.

Figure Image from www.sfchronicle.com

How do people get MonkeyPox?

Monkeypox is spread from animals to people through contact with infected animals or their secretions. People can also be exposed to Monkeypox by breathing in virus-containing aerosols produced by infected animals.

People most at risk for contracting Monkeypox are those that handle or care for monkeys or other rodents without using proper infection control precautions.

When the World Health Organization released its first report on Monkeypox, it was unclear how long the illness would last. However, there are indications that it may be longer than other viruses with similar symptoms.

According to the WHO, symptoms can last anywhere from two to five weeks. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue. Some patients also experience rashes or skin lesions.

Interaction with infected animals

The disease can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected monkey or through contact with items contaminated by an infected monkey’s saliva, urine, or feces.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that affects monkeys. It also can infect people, including laboratory workers, veterinarians, and pet owners.

Infected animals usually have a fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Infected humans may experience a fever with or without other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of MonkeyPox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that is a close relative of human smallpox. It has been reported in humans, monkeys, and rodents in Africa.

The first symptoms appear 1-3 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The symptoms may last for 2 to 3 weeks. In most people who get Monkeypox, the illness lasts about 1 week with milder symptoms of fever and itching or burning at the site of the rash (if present).

There have been no documented cases of Monkeypox in travelers to any country other than those where it has been found naturally or where laboratory experiments have been conducted on animals infected with it. No evidence exists that the general population can be infected by this virus through contact with an infected person or their contaminated belongings unless they are bitten by an insect vector.

Who is at risk for getting Monkeypox?

You are at risk of getting Monkeypox if you:

• Have a weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick from Monkeypox. This includes people who have HIV, leukemia, or other cancers; those taking certain medications such as steroids; and those who have had organ transplants.
• Live in or have traveled to areas where Monkeypox is found. You may be exposed to the virus if you travel to parts of Africa and Asia, where Monkeypox is regularly found in animals that infect humans (such as rodents). You can also get infected by coming into contact with someone who travels from an area where Monkeypox occurs, then has close contact with you while they still have the virus on their clothing or other belongings.
• Have had direct contact with someone infected with the virus before symptoms started (for example: touching them or sharing food/drink). This does not mean that everyone who comes into contact with an infected person will become sick; however, it increases your chances of becoming ill if this happens.

Is there a treatment for Monkeypox?

There is no specific treatment for Monkeypox. Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms and making you more comfortable. But if you are infected with Monkeypox, it’s important to stay in bed and avoid contact with others as much as possible while your symptoms are flaring up.

You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve fever, muscle aches and headaches associated with monkeypox infection. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your skin lesions become infected.

Is there a vaccine to prevent monkeypox infection in people?

There is no vaccine to prevent monkeypox infection in humans. There are currently no medications that have been shown to treat monkeypox infection or prevent it from spreading in people.

Prevention is the most important way for people to avoid catching Monkeypox, especially by avoiding contact with infected animals and people who might be sick with the virus.

If you think you may have been exposed to anyone infected with Monkeypox, talk to your doctor right away so they can check you for symptoms and tell you how often they should be checking them (i.e., every few days). If a person has been exposed but does not have any symptoms yet, they will need daily monitoring of their temperature until 21 days after the last possible exposure (the incubation period).

How can I prevent getting infected with Monkeypox?

To prevent getting infected with Monkeypox, you should avoid contact with people or animals who have the disease.

• Avoid contact with animals that may be infected.
• Avoid contact with people who have been in contact with infected animals. If you or your child has come into contact with a monkeypox patient, clean and disinfect all clothing, bedding, and other materials used by the patient (such as towels) to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others through these items. Disinfect toys and other surfaces that your child touches often at home; then place them in plastic bags for two weeks so they can dry out thoroughly before returning them to use again. Do not reuse disposable materials such as masks unless they’ve been sterilized first!

What should I do if I have Monkeypox, or been exposed to someone with it?

If you have Monkeypox, contact your doctor or health care provider immediately.

As with other viral illnesses, the symptoms of Monkeypox may include:

• fever
• fatigue
• headache
• muscle aches and pains (especially those in the back)
• enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the neck, armpits, and groin area. These can be firm or rubbery to touch. They may be painful when touched and will also swell when you eat or drink something hot or cold.

Conclusion

If you think that you or someone you know has been exposed to Monkeypox, it’s important that you contact your health care provider immediately. Stay home for at least 21 days after the last day of contact with the person who has Monkeypox to prevent spreading it to others. If you start having symptoms and didn’t get vaccinated against smallpox, tell your doctor right away so they can make arrangements for your treatment. The best way to avoid Monkeypox is by avoiding contact with rodents, like squirrels and monkeys; these animals are often found in forests or near farms in central Africa. You should also wash your hands regularly when traveling abroad, especially if visiting areas where there have been recent cases reported.