The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. A case of monkeypox has been reported in Delhi, with no international travel history.
Monkeypox is a well-known disease. It was first isolated from a monkey colony in the late 1950s. The virus belongs to the same genus as the variola (smallpox) and vaccinia viruses (the virus used in one of the available smallpox vaccines). It was named after a 1958 outbreak among laboratory test monkeys at a research facility in Copenhagen, Denmark.
How does it spread?
“There is a significant role of animals in the spread of monkeypox. Man and monkeys are both accidental hosts and wild rodents are usually seen harbouring this virus. The strain isolated from West Africa appears to be less virulent than the one from Central Africa. It’s clad 2 i.e. West African strain is spreading all over world,” said Dr Dhiren Gupta, Intensivist and Senior Consultant at Sir Gangaram Hospital.
Prolonged contact with animals (monkeys, squirrels, wild rodents) or animal meat (wild animals) or close contact with infected persons. Primarily, it doesn’t spread via air but if someone is in close contact with the infected patient (> 3 hours, within 2 meters) can get infection via large droplets. Secondary attack rates are around 7 percent. It’s less infective than smallpox and chickenpox.
Who Is At High Risk Of Contacting Monkeypox?
Men – Most cases of monkeypox have been seen in men.
LGBTQ – Men who have sex with men and the LGBTQ community have been flagged by the WHO.
Healthcare workers – Prolonged and close exposure to treating the patient could lead to spread through droplets to skin contact as well.
Immunocompromised people – People with prolonged health complications
It Is A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Only?
The WHO pointed out, “For the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners.” Dr Tedros added, “It’s therefore essential that all countries work closely with communities of men who have sex with men, to design & deliver effective information & services, and to adopt measures that protect both the health, human rights & dignity of affected communities.”
Signs and symptoms of monkeypox
When a person contracts monkeypox, it doesn’t immediately show symptoms. The incubation period for the virus is said to be between seven to 21 days.
Common symptoms seen are:
Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Back pain
Chills
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Once these symptoms set in, the disease can progress towards the development of rashes on the face that can spread to the whole body too. They first appear as discoloured areas, which then turn into solid raised spots, to fluid filled blisters, pus filled blister like sores, dried spots before they fall out.
The overall duration of the illness ranges from two to four weeks.
Is monkeypox treatable?
While there is no confirmed treatment for monkeypox, some doctors may also administer antiviral medications to control the illness. Some tested antiviral treatments seem to be working with little side effects. Furthermore, the smallpox vaccine is said to be 85% effective in treating the illness. US is distributing the Jynneos vaccine, which is a smallpox and monkeypox vaccine (Live, Nonreplicating). The vaccine is administered in two doses and delivered 28 days apart.
Just like the precautions we followed during a COVID infection, experts suggest social distancing, masking, improved ventilation and staying at home if sick are some of the recommended methods to follow.
Everytime such viruses rear their ugly heads, we are reminded that humans and animals are connected in a complex manner, one in which 2/3rd of the emerging infectious diseases in human beings are zoonotic (trasmitted from animals to humans).
What can you do to protect yourself?
Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox; Avoid physical contact with anyone who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox; Avoid crowded events; Follow good hygiene; Wear mask
Can masking help prevent monkeypox?
While the disease is transmitted through intimate contact, masking may still offer some protection.
Where do the lesions appear first?
As per some experts, lesions associated with monkeypox can be seen in the respiratory tract before being spotted on other body parts.