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What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the human smallpox virus. The disease was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. Later, in 1970, the first human case of monkeypox was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Monkeypox is a rare disease, and its symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but usually milder. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face, then spreading to the trunk and limbs. Lesions progress to pustules that crust and fall off after two to four weeks.
The virus is spread through contact with infected animals or humans. It is transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels, and from human-to-human through respiratory droplets, contact with body fluids, or contaminated materials. Monkeypox can be severe in some people, but most people recover within a few weeks without any specific treatment. Vaccination against smallpox may help prevent monkeypox or reduce the severity of the disease.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within 5 to 14 days of infection and can be similar to those of smallpox, although generally milder. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
After a few days of fever, a rash develops, often beginning on the face then spreading to the trunk and limbs. The rash progresses to pustules that then crust and fall off after 2 to 4 weeks. The pustules are typically larger and more irregular in shape than those seen in smallpox.
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Conjunctivitis (redness and swelling of the eyes)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or genitals
Symptoms can vary in severity, with some people experiencing a mild illness while others may have a more severe illness that requires hospitalization.
How It Spreads
Monkeypox spreads through contact with infected animals or humans. The virus is transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels. It can also be spread through contact with body fluids, such as blood, saliva, or pus, from an infected animal or person.
Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox can occur through respiratory droplets, such as through coughing or sneezing, or through contact with body fluids, such as blood, saliva, or pus, from an infected person. Touching or handling contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding, can also spread the virus.
Person-to-person transmission of monkeypox is generally more limited than in smallpox, and the virus is less contagious. However, there have been several outbreaks of monkeypox in Africa that were traced to human-to-human transmission. The risk of human-to-human transmission is highest during the first 3 weeks of illness, when the virus is present in high levels in the blood, saliva, and other body fluids.
Monkeypox is not known to be transmitted through the air, or by insects, such as mosquitoes. The virus can survive outside the body on contaminated surfaces and materials for several hours, but it is easily destroyed by soap, disinfectants, and sunlight.
How Is Monkeypox Treated?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and the management of the disease is mainly supportive. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Antiviral medications, such as cidofovir and brincidofovir, have been used to treat severe cases of monkeypox, but their effectiveness is not well established.
Here are some of the ways monkeypox is treated:
Isolation: People with monkeypox are usually isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Symptomatic treatment: Treatment for monkeypox is mainly supportive and includes measures such as rest, fluids, and pain relief for fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Prevention of complications: People with severe monkeypox may require hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids, to prevent complications.
Vaccination: Vaccination against smallpox may help prevent monkeypox or reduce the severity of the disease. However, smallpox vaccination is no longer routinely given since smallpox has been eradicated.
Most people with monkeypox recover within a few weeks without any specific treatment. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms, and in rare cases, monkeypox can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms.
