Prabal Tripathi 
Recent outbreaks of monkeypox have been reported in about ten African countries, including Kenya, Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over these developments. There is a fear that this viral infection could spread to other African nations and beyond. According to reports, the WHO may declare monkeypox a global emergency following its official meeting.
Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox. The number of cases of this virus has increased by up to 160% this year following a sudden rise in infections in African countries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 70% of the cases in Congo have been observed in children under 15 years old. The current outbreak in Africa has had a particularly adverse impact on children, with up to 85% of deaths in Congo being among those under 15.
The WHO is concerned due to the varying mortality rates observed in different outbreaks of monkeypox, sometimes exceeding 10%. This variability in mortality rates and the contagious nature of the disease heightens the risk.
In today’s article, we will discuss monkeypox in detail and cover:
– What are its symptoms?
– How does monkeypox spread?
– What is the treatment for monkeypox?
– What are the prevention measures?
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease also known as MPox. It presents with symptoms similar to flu and rashes. The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus family, which is also responsible for smallpox.
Monkeypox can spread through contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, bedding, or clothing.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
– Symptoms may appear several days or weeks after exposure to the virus.
– Typically, symptoms begin to show 3 to 17 days after exposure, with the period between exposure and symptom onset known as the incubation period.
– Symptoms usually last for 2 to 4 weeks.
– The initial symptom is usually fever, followed by the appearance of rashes on the skin about 1 to 4 days later.
– The rash often starts on the face, then spreads to the hands, feet, and other parts of the body.
– In the 2022 outbreak, rashes frequently started in the genital area, with some cases beginning in the mouth or throat.
– The rashes go through several stages: initially flat spots turn into blisters, which then fill with pus, form scabs, and eventually dry up over 2 to 4 weeks.
– Rashes can appear on various body parts, including the mouth, face, hands, feet, genitals, and anus, and sometimes even in the throat.
– A person can spread the virus from the onset of symptoms until the rashes and scabs have healed, and the virus can also spread before symptoms develop.
Varied Symptoms
– Not all individuals infected with monkeypox develop all symptoms. Commonly, symptoms include rashes and flu-like signs, though some may not have rashes.
– In some cases, rashes are widespread and large, while in others, only a few bumps or blisters are visible.
– Some individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus to others through close contact.
Who is Affected by Monkeypox?
Monkeypox can affect anyone. However, in Africa, most cases have been observed in children under 15, possibly because many adults had been vaccinated against smallpox, which is effective against monkeypox. Outside Africa, the disease has spread more among men who have sex with men, though it can affect others as well.
Treatment for Monkeypox
– According to the CDC, there is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox, but certain medications can help control its spread.
– Some drugs, such as cidofovir, ST-246, and vaccinia immune globulin, are approved for use against monkeypox and have been effective.
Prevention of Monkeypox
Several vaccines can help prevent monkeypox:
– The JYNNEOSTM vaccine, also available as Imvamune or Imvamex, is effective against monkeypox and is used extensively in Africa. It has been shown to be up to 85% effective.
– The smallpox vaccine ACAM2000 has also been effective in preventing monkeypox.
– According to WHO, people vaccinated against smallpox have immunity that can protect them from monkeypox. However, since smallpox vaccination programs were discontinued about 40 years ago, many people are no longer protected.
Understanding and following these guidelines can help manage and prevent the spread of monkeypox during this outbreak.
