Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the smallpox virus. Originally discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, the disease was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Transmission and Symptoms Of Monkeypox
Monkeypox primarily spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals, such as rodents or primates. Human-to-human transmission can occur via respiratory droplets, as well as through contact with contaminated materials or surfaces. The monkeypox virus can infect people of all ages.
The symptoms of monkeypox can be quite severe and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
After the initial symptoms, a characteristic rash develops, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through various stages, from flat spots to raised bumps, then to fluid-filled blisters, and finally to scabs.
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Recent Outbreaks and Public Health Impact
The monkeypox outbreak typically in Africa is intensifying, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare a public health emergency and issue a “clarion call for action.” With 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths reported since January 2022, the virus has spread across numerous African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – where it was first discovered in humans in 1970 – bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
While the initial outbreak involved the endemic clade 1 strain, a new variant, clade 1b, has emerged, exhibiting greater transmissibility. This evolution has fueled global concern, as the WHO declared the monkeypox outbreak a global public health emergency in July following a surge in cases in the DRC and its spread to neighboring countries.
• Sweden reported its first case of mpox clade 1b last week, marking the first instance of this variant outside Africa. Experts anticipate more cases in the region. • Thailand has confirmed its first case of monkeypox, detected in a 66-year-old European man who arrived from an unidentified African country. • The emergence of clade 1b, which is both more transmissible and potentially more deadly, has sparked widespread concern. Recent outbreaks have been reported in several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially infected animals and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals. Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine has been shown to offer some level of protection against monkeypox, given the similarities between the two viruses.
Antiviral medications, such as tecovirimat, have been used in some cases, particularly during outbreaks. The smallpox vaccine may also be used for post-exposure prophylaxis in certain situations.
