Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, as Europe may have reported over 100 cases of infection.
What You Need to Know About Monkeypox
Where does monkeypox originate?
The monkeypox virus, similar to smallpox, belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. This virus has a structure and pathogenic properties similar to chickenpox but usually causes milder disease. Despite its name, monkeypox is not caused by a monkey virus. Currently, the exact host for this virus has not been clearly identified, but the leading candidates are rodents and small forest squirrels found in tropical regions of Africa, primarily in West and Central Africa. Cases of monkeypox in monkeys in Africa have been increasing as humans encroach on the habitats of virus-carrying animals. The first cases of monkeypox in humans occurred in Africa, sporadically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, since 2016, cases have also been confirmed and reported in Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.
Is monkeypox related to smallpox?
Recently, there has been a 20-fold increase in new cases in Africa. Some experts suggest this could be due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination in 1980. People who have been vaccinated for smallpox, even as long as 25 years ago, are at lower risk of contracting monkeypox.
Which countries have reported monkeypox cases?
Outside of Africa, the United States experienced an outbreak in 2003. Rodents brought from Africa as pets spread the virus to prairie dogs, which subsequently infected humans. The outbreak occurred in six states, with 35 confirmed cases, 13 probable cases, and 22 suspected cases, fortunately with no fatalities. In Africa, the mortality rate ranges from 4% to 22%.
Monkeypox virus entering cells. (Photo: Reuters).
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals through bodily fluids, including saliva droplets or respiratory secretions, or by contact with wound exudates. Can monkeypox be transmitted from person to person? Transmission between humans occurs inefficiently and is believed to mainly happen through large respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. Among those living with infected individuals, the risk of transmission is 50%. Most patients are children.
Who is at risk for monkeypox?
Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, stated: “Evidence suggests that the monkeypox virus may be spreading in the community through close contacts. We particularly urge gay and bisexual men to be vigilant for any rashes or unusual lesions and to contact sexual health services immediately.”
Symptoms of monkeypox
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans, symptoms of monkeypox are similar but milder than those of smallpox.
Symptoms of monkeypox.
Patients will initially present with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, exhaustion, and chills. Notably, a specific symptom that differentiates the two types of pox is swollen lymph nodes. Those with monkeypox will experience lymphadenopathy, while smallpox patients will not.
The incubation period (from infection to symptom onset) is 7-14 days, sometimes extending from 5-21 days. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body.
Within 1-3 days (possibly longer) after fever onset, patients will develop an uncomfortable rash. The rash typically begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body.
The lesions on the body will go through a process from macule (flat lesions) to papule (raised lesions), vesicle (fluid-filled lesions), and finally pustule. Ultimately, the lesions scab over before falling off and healing, leaving scars.
The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to be fatal for 1 in 10 people infected.
Treatment for monkeypox
Monkeypox treatment is supportive. Potentially useful medications include: the new antiviral drug tecovirimat (recently approved for the treatment of smallpox), the antiviral drug cidofovir, and investigational drugs like brincidofovir (CMX001). All these medications have shown activity against the monkeypox virus in vitro and in experimental models. However, none have been studied or used in endemic areas for the treatment of monkeypox.
Preventive measures against monkeypox
To proactively prevent monkeypox outbreaks in our country, the Ministry of Health recommends that the public actively implement the following preventive measures:
1. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or paper towel or a disposable tissue, or your elbow to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions; wash hands with soap and clean water or disinfectant solution immediately after coughing or sneezing. Do not spit indiscriminately in public places.
2. Regularly wash hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer.
3. Individuals with unexplained acute rashes accompanied by one or more suspicious symptoms should proactively contact healthcare facilities for timely monitoring and consultation. At the same time, they should self-isolate and avoid sexual relations.
4. Avoid close contact with individuals infected with monkeypox, avoid direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, droplets, and contaminated items. If someone in your home or workplace is suspected of having the disease, inform health authorities for timely consultation and management; do not selfmedicate.
5. Individuals traveling to countries with monkeypox outbreaks (Central and West Africa) should avoid contact with mammals (dead or alive) such as rodents, marsupials, and primates that may harbor the monkeypox virus. Upon returning to Vietnam, they should proactively report to local health authorities for consultation.
6. Ensure food safety; maintain a healthy lifestyle, increase physical activity, and enhance health.