Monkeypox: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, in the context that Europe may have recorded more than 100 cases.

Things to know about monkeypox

Where did monkeypox come from?

Monkeypox virus, similar to smallpox, belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. This virus is similar in structure and pathogenicity to chickenpox, but the disease is usually milder. Despite its name, monkeypox is not caused by a virus of monkeys. Currently, the host for this virus is unknown, but the organisms that come to mind first are rodents and small squirrels in the rainforest that live in Africa, mainly in western and central Africa. Cases of smallpox in monkeys in Africa are on the rise as humans increasingly encroach on the habitats of animals that carry the virus. Monkeypox in humans first occurred in Africa, occurring sporadically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But since 2016, cases have also been confirmed and reported in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

Is monkeypox related to smallpox?

Recently, in Africa, there has been a 20-fold increase in the rate of new cases compared to before. Some have suggested that it may have been due to the discontinuation of smallpox vaccination in 1980. While people who were vaccinated against smallpox, even 25 years ago, were less likely to get monkeypox.

Which countries have had monkeypox?

Outside of Africa, there was an outbreak in the United States that occurred in 2003. When rodents were brought from Africa as pets, they spread to shepherd dogs, which then infected sheep. People. The outbreak broke out in 6 states, of which there were 35 confirmed cases, 13 possible cases, and 22 suspected cases and fortunately no deaths. In Africa, mortality ranges from 4% to 22%.

Monkeypox virus invades cells.

How is monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals through bodily fluids, including saliva or respiratory droplets, or by contact with wound secretions. Is monkeypox transmitted from person to person? Person-to-person transmission occurs ineffectively and is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. In people who live with someone who has monkeypox, there is a 50% chance of transmitting the disease. Most of the patients are children.

Who is susceptible to monkeypox?

Dr Susan Hopkins (Medical Advisor to the UK Health Security Service) said: 'The evidence suggests it is possible that the monkeypox virus is spreading in the community through close contact. We strongly urge gay and bisexual men to be aware of any unusual rash or lesions and to contact sexual health care immediately."

Symptoms of monkeypox

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans, monkeypox symptoms are similar but milder than those of smallpox.

The patient will begin with fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, exhaustion, chills. In particular, the specific symptom that distinguishes the two types of smallpox is a swelling in the lymph nodes. People with monkeypox will develop lymphadenopathy, while patients with smallpox will not.

The incubation period (from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms) is 7-14 days, sometimes as long as 5-21 days. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body.

Within 1-3 days (possibly longer) of a fever, the patient develops a nasty rash. The rash usually starts on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body.

The lesions on the patient's body will go through the process from burning (flat lesions) to papules (floating lesions), vesicles (fluid-filled lesions) then pustules. Eventually, the lesions crust over before falling off and healing, leaving a scar.

The illness usually lasts for 2-4 weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to be fatal for 1 in 10 people.

Treatment of monkeypox

Treatment of monkeypox is supportive. Potentially useful drugs include: New antiviral drug tecovirimat (recently approved to treat smallpox) Antiviral drug cidofovir Study drug brincidofovir (CMX001) All of these drugs are active activity against monkeypox virus in vitro and in experimental models. However, no drugs have been studied or used in endemic areas to treat monkeypox.