Monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, has rapidly emerged as a significant global health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. This declaration emphasizes the need for international coordination and response to combat the spread of this disease. Understanding what monkeypox is, its symptoms, treatments, and WHO guidelines is crucial for public awareness and safety.
What is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is less severe. The disease was first identified in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, giving it the name “monkeypox.” The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported in various African countries, with recent outbreaks spreading to other regions globally.
WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency
On July 23, 2022, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. This decision came after careful consideration of the rapid spread of the virus across multiple countries, with significant numbers of cases being reported in non-endemic regions. The WHO’s declaration aims to mobilize resources, coordinate international efforts, and raise awareness about the disease. The global health emergency status underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for collective action to contain the outbreak.
What Does Monkeypox Look Like?
Monkeypox typically presents with a distinctive rash, often resembling that of smallpox. The rash goes through several stages before forming a scab, which eventually falls off. It usually begins as flat, red spots that evolve into raised bumps, which then fill with clear fluid, and later become pus-filled. These lesions can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, chest, and genitals. The rash can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Monkeypox Rash and Symptoms
The incubation period for monkeypox ranges from 5 to 21 days. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, and fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes, a characteristic feature of monkeypox, distinguish it from other similar diseases like smallpox. Following the initial symptoms, a rash typically appears within 1 to 3 days. The rash progresses through different stages, starting with macules, then papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs.
In some cases, the rash may be more concentrated on the face and extremities, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The lesions can be painful until they heal, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to complications such as secondary bacterial infections, respiratory distress, or even death.
Treatment for Monkeypox
There is currently no specific treatment approved for monkeypox. However, the disease is generally self-limiting, meaning that it typically resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention. Supportive care is provided to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and manage any underlying conditions that may exacerbate the disease. This includes maintaining proper hydration, pain management, and treatment of secondary bacterial infections if they arise.
In severe cases, antiviral medications such as Tecovirimat, initially developed for smallpox, may be used under compassionate use protocols or in clinical trial settings. Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine has also been shown to provide some protection against monkeypox, as the viruses are closely related.
Vaccination and Prevention
The smallpox vaccine is approximately 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. In the context of the current outbreak, some countries have begun offering the vaccine to those at higher risk, such as healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and individuals in affected communities. Two vaccines, MVA-BN (also known as JYNNEOS or Imvanex) and ACAM2000, are currently used to combat monkeypox.
WHO advises that vaccination efforts should be targeted, focusing on those who are most at risk. Vaccination after exposure to monkeypox (post-exposure prophylaxis) is recommended to reduce the severity of the disease.
How Do You Get Monkeypox?
Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions, and contaminated objects like bedding. Animal-to-human transmission can happen through bites or scratches from infected animals, handling wild game, or using products made from infected animals.
It is important to note that while monkeypox is not as easily transmitted as some other viral diseases, the risk increases with prolonged or close exposure. The current outbreak has seen cases linked to close physical contact, including sexual activity, but it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.
WHO Guidelines and Public Health Measures
The WHO has issued comprehensive guidelines to help countries respond to the monkeypox outbreak. These include recommendations for surveillance, case detection, contact tracing, and isolation of cases. Public awareness campaigns are also encouraged to educate the public about the symptoms of monkeypox and the importance of seeking medical attention if they suspect they may be infected.
Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. The WHO also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to monitor and control the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
The WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global health emergency highlights the critical need for awareness, vigilance, and coordinated efforts to combat the spread of this disease. Understanding the symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures can help mitigate the impact of the outbreak. With continued research, public health interventions, and vaccination efforts, there is hope that the spread of monkeypox can be contained, and future outbreaks prevented.
