Introduction
Monkeypox, a mysterious disease with similarities to smallpox, has recently become a global health emergency. This viral infection, which can cause fatigue, body aches, and skin rashes, has the potential to become a new virus that circulates regularly. In this blog, we will explore how monkeypox spreads, the symptoms it presents, and what can be done to contain the ongoing outbreak. Let's dive in!
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus that was first detected in research monkeys and is closely related to smallpox. While smallpox is specifically engineered to exploit human cells and bodies, monkeypox is more like an accidental host in humans. It is endemic to parts of Africa, where it primarily circulates among rodents.
Transmission from animals to humans usually occurs through close interactions, such as hunting or eating infected animals. However, in the recent outbreak, monkeypox has been spreading efficiently between humans, primarily through sexual contact.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Once infected, monkeypox enters the bloodstream and creates lesions on the skin. While it can spread through respiratory droplets or bodily fluids, skin-to-skin contact with the lesions is the most common mode of transmission. During intimate contact or cuddling, the virus can enter tiny abrasions in the skin, leading to infection.
Symptoms of monkeypox typically appear between five days to three weeks after infection. The initial symptoms, similar to a typical illness, include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. After this phase, a rash and lesions usually develop, especially on the hands and face. However, in the 2022 outbreak, the lesions appeared differently. They can be localized more on the genitals and may appear as bumps, making it challenging for some medical professionals to identify the infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing monkeypox can be challenging, especially with atypical presentations of the disease. In some cases, medical professionals may not immediately recognize it as monkeypox due to the variation in lesion appearance. However, with proper diagnosis, antiviral medications like TPOXX can be prescribed to treat the infection.
The United States has stockpiled TPOXX and other tools to fight monkeypox as part of its preparedness for smallpox outbreaks. The stockpile also includes an approved vaccine. Testing is underway to ensure the effectiveness of the available doses, and additional doses are being ordered to be prepared against this virus.
Prevention and Vaccination
Preventing the spread of monkeypox is crucial to containing the outbreak. The vaccine for monkeypox can also be used as part of the treatment if given within four days after exposure. It can either prevent the infection or make it less severe. The slow transmission of monkeypox from rats to humans allows the immune system to develop antibodies, contributing to the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Currently, the available vaccines are primarily being provided to the community most affected by monkeypox, which is men who have sex with men. However, it is essential to avoid stigmatizing the disease or creating the impression that it is exclusively limited to this group. Monkeypox can affect anyone, and public health officials are concerned about the virus spreading to other vulnerable groups, including children and animals.
Conclusion
The ongoing monkeypox outbreak is a cause for concern, but with the preparedness and tools available, there is hope for containment. Understanding how monkeypox spreads, recognizing its symptoms, and taking appropriate preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, can help stop the spread of this viral infection. By staying informed and following public health guidelines, we can work together to bring the monkeypox outbreak under control.
