On July 23, 2022, WHO declared that the recent monkeypox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic virus (it transfers from animals to humans).
Despite being named “monkeypox, various species of monkeys, giant-pouched rats, African dormice, and certain types of squirrels can carry and transfer monkeypox to humans.
In 1958, researchers discovered the first cases of monkeypox during two outbreaks in monkeys being kept for research.
In 2003, The first monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa occurred in the United States. Scientists linked this incident to prairie dogs infected with monkeypox.
How does someone become infected with monkeypox?
Transfer of the virus from an animal to a human occurs through:
- bitting or scratching by an infected animal
- eating meat or using products from an animal with monkeypox
- coming into contact with an infected animal’s body fluids.
Once a human with monkeypox, they can transfer the virus to another human through:
- respiratory secretions during prolonged close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
- intimate physical contact, including kissing and sexual intercourse and through
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with monkeypox.
- Hugging, massage, and kissing.
Having multiple or anonymous sex partners may increase the chances for monkeypox infection, so limiting sex partners may reduce the possibility of infection.
- direct contacting with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by a person with monkeypox.
- pregnant women can transfer the virus to their fetus through the placenta
A recently study found that, between April and June 2022, 98% of monkeypox cases were gay or bisexual men, and 95% of monkeypox cases occurred through sexual transmission.
Monkeypox symptoms
If a person becomes infected with monkeypox, the incubation period before they begin to experience symptoms lasts from 5 to 21 days.
- fever
- headaches
- swollen lymph nodes
- muscle aches and/or back pain
- respiratory symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough
- chills
- exhaustion
- low energy.
- face
- chest
- palms of the hands
- soles of the feet
- inside the mouth
- genitals and/ or anus.
- You may experience all or only a few of the symptoms of monkeypox.
- Some people have experienced a rash before (or without) flu-like symptoms.
- The rash will go through stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash may also be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.
- Monkeypox can be transferred from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.
Monkeypox treatment
Monkeypox treatment normally depends on symptoms and some antiviral drugs.
Monkeypox prevention
- JYNNEOS vaccine
The FDA approved the JYNNEOS vaccine — (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) — for preventing smallpox and monkeypox.
The JYNNEOS vaccine includes two shots (0.5 mL) subcutaneous (under the skin), and people considered fully vaccinated after about 2 weeks from the second shot.
- ACAM2000
While vaccination is important, it may not be the complete solution.
- avoid intimate and skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a rash similar to that of monkeypox
- try not to touch bedding, clothing, or other materials that may have touched a person with monkeypox
- wash hands frequently with soap and water
- in certain African regions, keep away from known animal carriers of monkeypox, and do not touch sick or dead animals.
