Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans from animals, specifically rodents and primates.
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but milder. These include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses to raised bumps and eventually to fluid-filled blisters that then scab over and fall off.
What is mpox?
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by a virus. It leads to rashes and flu-like symptoms. Like the better-known virus that causes smallpox, it’s a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
There are two known types of monkeypox virus:
- West African monkeypox virus: This is the most common type and is primarily found in Central and West African countries, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
- Congo Basin monkeypox virus: This type of monkeypox virus is found in Central African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.
Both types of monkeypox virus can cause illness in humans, with similar symptoms and clinical presentation. However, the Congo Basin type is associated with more severe cases and a higher mortality rate compared to the West African type.
How common is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease and its occurrence is limited to certain areas of Central and West Africa, particularly in rainforest regions where the virus is naturally found. The disease was first identified in 1958 in monkeys and subsequently in humans in 1970.
Outbreaks of monkeypox occur sporadically in these regions, with the largest recorded outbreak occurring in Nigeria in 2017. However, cases of monkeypox outside of Africa are extremely rare, and usually occur in individuals who have recently traveled to affected areas or had close contact with infected animals or people.
Overall, while monkeypox can cause significant illness and even death in some cases, its incidence in humans is low and it is not considered a major public health threat at this time.
Outbreaks of monkeypox occur sporadically in these regions, with the largest recorded outbreak occurring in Nigeria in 2017. However, cases of monkeypox outside of Africa are extremely rare, and usually occur in individuals who have recently traveled to affected areas or had close contact with infected animals or people.
Overall, while monkeypox can cause significant illness and even death in some cases, its incidence in humans is low and it is not considered a major public health threat at this time.
What are signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
The signs and symptoms of monkeypox typically develop within 5-14 days after infection and are similar to but milder than smallpox.
The initial symptoms include:
The initial symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Other symptoms that may develop include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball)
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
How do you catch monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is primarily transmitted to humans from animals. The virus is naturally found in animals such as rodents and primates, particularly in parts of Central and West Africa where monkeypox occurs.
Humans can become infected with monkeypox through direct contact with infected animals, including:
Humans can become infected with monkeypox through direct contact with infected animals, including:
- Handling of animals such as monkeys, rodents, and rabbits
- Consuming undercooked meat from infected animals
- Contact with bodily fluids or lesions from infected animals
Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact with infected individuals, particularly through:
- Contact with bodily fluids or lesions from infected individuals
- Direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals, such as through coughing or sneezing
- Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as bedding or clothing
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
Diagnosis of monkeypox typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing.
Clinical evaluation: The healthcare provider will examine the patient and ask about their symptoms and medical history, including any recent travel to areas where monkeypox is known to occur. A physical examination may reveal characteristic signs of monkeypox, such as the presence of a rash with raised bumps and fluid-filled blisters.
Laboratory testing: Laboratory testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of monkeypox. This typically involves collecting a sample of blood, skin lesion fluid, or respiratory secretions, which is then tested for the presence of monkeypox virus genetic material or antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are commonly used laboratory techniques for detecting the virus.
Clinical evaluation: The healthcare provider will examine the patient and ask about their symptoms and medical history, including any recent travel to areas where monkeypox is known to occur. A physical examination may reveal characteristic signs of monkeypox, such as the presence of a rash with raised bumps and fluid-filled blisters.
Laboratory testing: Laboratory testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of monkeypox. This typically involves collecting a sample of blood, skin lesion fluid, or respiratory secretions, which is then tested for the presence of monkeypox virus genetic material or antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are commonly used laboratory techniques for detecting the virus.
It is important to note that other diseases such as chickenpox, smallpox, and some types of viral rashes can have similar symptoms to monkeypox, making laboratory testing essential for accurate diagnosis.
If a patient is suspected of having monkeypox, they will likely be isolated to prevent further spread of the disease while waiting for laboratory test results. Treatment and management of the disease will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the overall health status of the patient.
Is mpox curable?
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for monkeypox, and management of the disease is primarily supportive. This means that healthcare providers will focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications while the patient's immune system fights off the virus.
Supportive care measures may include:
- Pain relief medication
- Fever-reducing medication
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics
- Isolation to prevent the spread of the disease
How is mpox treated?
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for monkeypox, and management of the disease is primarily supportive. Treatment for monkeypox focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and supporting the immune system while the virus runs its course.
Supportive care measures for monkeypox may include:
- Pain relief medication
- Fever-reducing medication
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics
- Isolation to prevent the spread of the disease
In severe cases of monkeypox, hospitalization may be necessary to provide intensive supportive care and monitoring for complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis.
How do you prevent mpox?
Prevention measures are important in controlling the spread of monkeypox. Here are some ways to prevent monkeypox:
- Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine has been found to provide some protection against monkeypox. The World Health Organization recommends that individuals at high risk of exposure to monkeypox, such as healthcare workers and laboratory personnel, receive the smallpox vaccine.
- Avoid contact with infected animals: Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals. It is important to avoid handling or coming into contact with sick or dead animals, particularly primates, rodents, and rabbits.
- Proper food preparation: Consuming undercooked meat from infected animals can also lead to infection. It is important to ensure that all meat is cooked thoroughly before consumption.
- Good hygiene practices: Frequent hand washing with soap and water, particularly after handling animals or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, can help reduce the risk of transmission.
- Isolation and quarantine: Individuals suspected of having monkeypox should be isolated and treated to prevent further spread of the disease. Close contacts of infected individuals should be monitored and possibly quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus.
The duration of monkeypox can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's immune response. Typically, monkeypox lasts between 2-4 weeks. During this time, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. The rash may progress through different stages, including pustules, which are fluid-filled blisters that can become scabbed over as the infection resolves. Individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions may also be at higher risk of more severe disease and longer illness duration. It is important to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of monkeypox, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Is monkeypox fatal?
While monkeypox is generally a self-limited disease and most people recover without long-term complications, in rare cases it can be fatal, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions. The case fatality rate (the proportion of cases that result in death) of monkeypox varies depending on the outbreak and the population affected, but can range from less than 1% to up to 10% in some outbreaks.
Monkeypox vs Smallpox:
Monkeypox and smallpox are two different viral diseases that share some similarities but also have some important differences.
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, and it is a highly contagious and deadly disease that was eradicated worldwide in 1980 thanks to a massive vaccination campaign. Smallpox was characterized by a fever, a rash, and painful bumps filled with fluid that could cover the entire body. It had a mortality rate of around 30%.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the variola virus but less virulent. It is a rare disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, and it can be transmitted to humans from animals, particularly rodents and primates. Monkeypox usually presents as a fever, a rash, and lesions that can spread throughout the body. The mortality rate is generally low, around 1 to 10%.
In summary, while smallpox and monkeypox share some similarities, including symptoms such as fever and rash, they are caused by different viruses and have different levels of severity and mortality rates.
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, and it is a highly contagious and deadly disease that was eradicated worldwide in 1980 thanks to a massive vaccination campaign. Smallpox was characterized by a fever, a rash, and painful bumps filled with fluid that could cover the entire body. It had a mortality rate of around 30%.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the variola virus but less virulent. It is a rare disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, and it can be transmitted to humans from animals, particularly rodents and primates. Monkeypox usually presents as a fever, a rash, and lesions that can spread throughout the body. The mortality rate is generally low, around 1 to 10%.
In summary, while smallpox and monkeypox share some similarities, including symptoms such as fever and rash, they are caused by different viruses and have different levels of severity and mortality rates.