Monkeypox Virus Outbreak : SCIENCETINE

Over 3,000 people have been affected by the monkeypox outbreak, which first appeared in Europe at the beginning of May and has now spread throughout the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the epidemic as "unusual" and stated that it needs to be closely watched but does not currently represent a serious threat to world health.

History of Monkeypox

When two outbreaks of a condition resembling the pox occurred in colonies of monkeys held for scientific study, the discovery of monkeypox was made in 1958. The disease's origin is still a mystery despite being called "monkeypox." The virus, however, may be carried by non-human primates (such as monkeys) and infect humans.

In 1970, there was a first instance of monkeypox in a human. Several countries in central and western Africa had recorded cases of monkeypox prior to the outbreak in 2022. In the past, nearly all instances of monkeypox in people living outside of Africa were attributed to either imported animals or foreign travel to nations where the disease is frequently found. On several continents, these cases have happened.

Scientists are currently confused as to how it was able to rapidly produce a massive global outbreak and why the vast majority of those who have contracted it are guys who have had sex with men.

Symptoms

Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, but monkeypox is a close relative that is less contagious, has milder symptoms, and is less fatal.

According to recent estimates from the WHO, the illness can be fatal in 3 to 6% of cases; however, the data is based on earlier outbreaks in Africa, where healthcare resources are less accessible.

Symptoms of the monkeypox disease might show five to 21 days after infection, and the illness normally lasts two to four weeks.

The normal clinical picture for monkeypox, which includes fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and a developing centrifugal rash, is not seen in many cases in this outbreak, according to the WHO.

It claims that many individuals only have a few, or even just one, skin lesions, or lesions that start in the vaginal region or around the anus and do not spread. In some cases, anal pain and bleeding have been seen but no skin abnormalities.

Fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills, and weariness are further symptoms.

According to the WHO, one symptom that frequently aids physicians in differentiating monkeypox from chickenpox or smallpox is swollen lymph nodes.

                                             

How is monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox is typically spread by people who have had contact with infected animals. This could be as a result of a bite, scratch, or eating raw animal meat.

Monkeypox can also be transmitted from person to person.

According to the WHO in new public health guidance for gatherings, intimate relationships increase the risk because "key transmission routes include skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, and mouth-to-skin contact during sexual activity." The WHO also notes that it is still unknown whether infected individuals with no symptoms can transmit the monkeypox virus.

Usually, the virus enters the body through mucosal membranes, the respiratory tract, or skin sores (the eyes, nose, or mouth).

Anyone can contract the virus by coming into close contact with an infected person face-to-face or skin-to-skin, or by touching contaminated bedding or clothing.

Gay and bisexual guys at greater risk?

Scientists warn that anyone who comes into contact with someone infected with monkeypox or their clothing or bedsheets is at risk. But most cases so far have been found in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. And specifically those who have many sexual partners.

Available treatments and vaccines

Monkeypox usually goes away on its own, but an oral antiviral drug called Tecovirimat was approved earlier this year in the European Union to treat smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, and it can limit the spread of the virus and the severity of the infection.

Vaccines for smallpox, a related disease, are thought to be about 85% effective against monkeypox. However, because smallpox was declared eradicated more than 40 years ago and mass vaccination programs were discontinued, that protection has been lost in younger populations.

How can you protect yourself from monkeypox?

While health experts agree that the risks to the general public are low, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting monkeypox.

The best precautions you can take, according to the United Kingdom's National Health Service and the United States Centers for Disease Control, are:

• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• When caring for patients who have been confirmed or are infected with the monkeypox virus, use personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Only consume meat that has been thoroughly cooked.

• Do not approach wild or stray animals, including dead animals, or animals that appear ill.

• Do not consume or handle wild animal meat.

• Do not share bedding or towels with sick people who may have monkeypox.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and may have monkeypox.

If you have monkeypox:

• Isolate yourself at home
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, try to stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with.

If You Have a New or Unexplained Rash or Other Symptoms:

• Avoid having sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been cleared by a healthcare provider.

• When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask and remind them that this is an emergency.