Monkeypox is a rare disease. The infection typically spreads from contact with wildlife reservoirs. For decades, monkeypox infection has been confined to regions where it has traditionally been endemic. Since early May 2022, monkeypox virus infections have been reported in more than 50 countries across five regions. With nearly 16,000 reported cases worldwide and counting, the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox an “evolving threat of moderate public health concern” on June 23, 2022.

Read further to know more about monkeypox infection.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is a part of the variola virus family that causes smallpox. Monkeypox and smallpox have similar symptoms but monkeypox is milder and rarely fatal. It is a rare disease that mostly occurs in the rain forest areas of Africa. However, in recent months the disease has been spreading across countries raising health concerns.

Understanding The Name Monkeypox

The name monkeypox catches your attention for two main reasons:

  • Sounds similar to smallpox.
  • Presence of ‘monkey’ in the name, giving you an impression that monkeys are the cause for infection.

It is important to understand that monkeypox is not related to smallpox, but is caused by a virus belonging to the same family that causes smallpox. Monkeypox does not come through monkeys, it is called monkeypox because It was first discovered in the late 1950’s that occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox’. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in Congo, Africa.

Who can get monkeypox?

Monkey pox can affect anybody, but it is more common in children below 15 years. The risk of getting monkeypox is higher if:

  • A person had recently traveled to areas where monkeypox is endemic.
  • A person comes in close physical contact with another person affected with monkeypox.
  • A person was exposed to or was in close contact with animals carrying monkeypox virus.

How does monkeypox spread?

  • Monkey pox spreads from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, sharing contaminated materials such as towels and bedding, or by accidental contact with lesions and body fluids of an infected human or animal.
  • Monkeypox may also spread through prolonged or intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Recent data state that spread of monkeypox is higher in homosexual men.

What are the symptoms?

Monkeypox symptoms present in two phases: Initial symptoms and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses. 

  • Initial symptoms: are mostly flu-like symptoms which include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pains, and swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
  • Progressive symptoms: rashes with raised bumps start appearing on the face and skin. The rashes are more common on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet and typically start as flat red bumps which eventually turn into pus filled blisters. The blisters are generally painless, when painful they are often associated with other bacterial infections. The blisters gradually crust over and fall off within a few days. 

In addition to the above mentioned symptoms there may be other non-specific symptoms such as inflammation of conjunctival mucosa (white fiber layer covering the eye) pharyngeal mucosa (mucous lining of the throat), and genital mucous membranes.

How is monkeypox diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination. The characteristic physical findings are the obvious blisters and enlarged and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the submental (below the chin), submandibular (below the lower jaw), cervical (neck), and inguinal (groin) areas.If required, your doctor may take a tissue sample to microscopically ascertain the presence of monkeypox of virus.

What is the treatment for monkeypox?

  • The usual course of monkeypox is about 2 to 4weeks. A person exposed with monkeypox is monitored by their health care provider for 21 days. 
  • Currently there is no proven specific and safe treatment available for monkeypox, antiviral drugs may help. 
  • Monkeypox is a self-regressing disease, meaning, most people get better on their own and do not require any treatment. 
  • When treatment is required, your doctor will monitor you and treat you for your symptoms appropriately.

What should you do if you get monkeypox?

If you (or someone in the family) has been diagnosed with monkeypox, you will need to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid scratching the rashes on your skin.
  • Keep your skin dry and uncovered.
  • Clean the rashes on your skin with sterilized water or antiseptics.
  • Take a warm bath with epsom salts or baking soda to provide relief from the irritation from the rashes.
  • If you have developed ulcers or blisters in the mouth, use a saltwater rinse.
  • If you are living in a shared household, isolate yourself and use separate eating utensils, clothes, towels and bedding, electronics, and always use a designated bathroom.
  • Open your windows for good ventilation.
  • Avoid disturbing the virus particles on the floor by sweeping and vacuuming, to prevent further infections.

How can monkeypox be prevented?

A smallpox vaccine can be effective to provide protection against monkeypox. However, currently vaccine use is limited to people who work in a lab with the variola (smallpox) virus.

Monkeypox prevention primarily depends on decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person by practicing the following:

  • Avoid human contact with infected animals.
  • Avoid contact (or avoid sharing) bedding and other materials such as towels that may have been contaminated with virus.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after coming in contact with infected person or animal.
  • Proper cooking of animal meat.
  • Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while providing care for infected people.

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