Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox Virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. Its symptoms are similar to smallpox but generally less severe. Smallpox was eradicated worldwide in 1980. Monkeypox was first identified in Central and West Africa, particularly in tropical rainforest areas and some urban regions where the disease occurs more frequently.
How is it transmitted?
From animals to humans: The disease can spread through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or lesions of an infected animal. In African countries, it has been found in certain animals such as squirrels, rodents, hamsters, and some species of monkeys. Eating improperly cooked meat or handling products from infected animals can also pose a risk. People living near forested areas have a higher chance of contracting the virus.
From human to human: Monkeypox can spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person, or via contaminated objects. It may also transmit from mother to child during pregnancy. The most important route of human-to-human transmission is through close physical contact, including sexual contact, which has been identified as a significant factor in recent outbreaks.
Symptoms:
The incubation period usually lasts 5–6 days but can extend up to 21 days. Symptoms appear in two stages:
1. Initial stage (prodromal period): Lasts approximately 5 days, during which the virus begins its activity. Common symptoms include:
High fever
Severe headache
Swelling of lymph nodes
Back and muscle pain
Weakness and fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes are one of the distinguishing features of monkeypox compared to other similar diseases.
2. Rash stage: The characteristic rash appears on the face, hands, and feet. In adults aged 40–50, the risk of infection may be higher due to lack of immunity. In severe cases, complications can include:
Respiratory difficulties
Secondary skin infections
Eye inflammation leading to potential vision loss
The mortality rate for monkeypox was previously reported at 11%, particularly in children, but is now estimated at 3–6%.
Diagnosis:
Laboratory testing, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), is used to confirm infection. Blood or lesion samples are collected from the patient, and if the test is positive, the person is confirmed to have monkeypox.
Treatment:
Vaccines previously used for smallpox offer approximately 85% protection against monkeypox. However, currently available vaccines are limited and primarily administered in healthcare centers or specialized labs to protect those at high risk, such as medical staff.
Prevention:
Awareness of the disease and understanding how the virus spreads are key to prevention. Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals is crucial, as this is the main route of transmission. Caregivers should maintain vigilance, use protective clothing and gloves, and ensure proper handling of specimens to prevent virus spread.
It is also important to avoid contact with wild animals that may carry the virus, especially in areas with a high prevalence of animal reservoirs.