Monkeypox; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Methods

The orthopox virus, which is related to the smallpox viral family, is the cause of this. It is also known as the monkeypox or MPOX virus. Given that it is a zoonotic virus, people can contract it from animals. The disease is mostly found in Central and West African countries, but sporadic cases have been reported outside these regions, often linked to travel or imported animals. It has historically been endemic in Central and West African countries. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of monkeypox cases outside these traditional endemic areas, including parts of Ghana.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MONKEYPOX?

MPOX is caused by the monkeypox virus, which has two distinct genetic clades: the Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade. The Central African clade tends to cause more severe disease and has a higher mortality rate.

According to WHO news published on August 14, 2024, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in the last month in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—four adjacent countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that had not previously recorded mpox cases. Experts surmise that a bigger percentage of clinically suitable instances remain untested, which makes the true number of cases likely higher. Different clades of MPOX have had multiple outbreaks in various countries, each with its own routes of transmission and danger levels.

Transmission:

1.         Animal to Human: Direct Contact: The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Consumption of Infected Meat: Eating inadequately cooked meat from infected animals can also be a source of transmission.

2.         Animal Bites or Scratches: Bites or scratches from infected animals can lead to transmission.

3.         Human to Human: Respiratory Droplets: Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.

4.         Direct Contact: Direct contact with bodily fluids or lesion material from an infected person.

5.         Contaminated Materials: Indirect contact through contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding, or other items that have come into contact with infectious lesions.

World Health Organization 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined several modes of transmission for Mpox (previously known as monkeypox), which are crucial for understanding the spread of the disease. The primary mode of transmission is through close contact with an infected individual, particularly through skin-to-skin contact, which is common in intimate and sexual encounters. Additionally, the virus can spread through contact with contaminated materials like bedding or clothing that has been in contact with the lesions of an infected person.
  
  
• Mpox can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interaction, although this is less common. The WHO also notes the potential for zoonotic transmission, where the virus can spread from animals to humans, though this mode is considered less frequent in current outbreaks.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX?

The incubation period for monkeypox is typically 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days. The disease progresses through several stages, with symptoms that can be divided into two main phases: the invasion period and the skin eruption period.

1.         Fever: Often the first symptom, accompanied by chills and sweats.

2.         Intense Headache: Severe headache is a common early symptom.

3.         Lymphadenopathy: Swelling of lymph nodes, a distinguishing feature from smallpox.

4.         Back Pain: Generalized body pain and muscle aches.

5.         Asthenia: Profound weakness and lack of energy. Skin Eruption Period (1-3 days after fever onset):

6.         Rash: Begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash evolves through several stages:

7.         Macules: Flat, red spots. Papules: Raised lesions. Vesicles: Fluid-filled lesions. Pustules: Pus-filled lesions.

8.         Scabs: Lesions eventually crust over and fall off. The rash is usually more concentrated on the face and extremities rather than the trunk. Lesions can also appear on the palms and soles, and in severe cases, inside the mouth, eyes, and genital area.

DIAGNOSIS

1.         Diagnosis of monkeypox involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory testing:

2.         Clinical Assessment: Initial evaluation of symptoms, particularly the characteristic rash and lymphadenopathy.

3.         Laboratory Testing: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): The most reliable method for diagnosing monkeypox. Samples are usually taken from skin lesions.

4.         Virus Isolation: Culturing the virus from clinical samples, though this is less frequently performed due to the need for specialized facilities.

WHAT ARE SOME TREATMENTS FOR MONKEYPOX?

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care and symptomatic treatment can help manage the condition which among other things include Minimizing direct contact with animals that could harbor the virus, monitoring and management of complications, handling potentially infected animals with gloves and other protective clothing and thoroughly cooking meat before consumption, Smallpox Vaccination.

Signs of monkeypox, at early detection stage is best to for treatment. Patients are encouraged to visit a doctor or medical laboratory close to you for efficient diagnosis.

SUMMARY

In order to promote fair access to vaccinations, medications, diagnostics, and other resources, WHO is collaborating with nations and vaccine producers on possible vaccine contributions. Additionally, through the temporary Medical Countermeasures Network, partners are coordinated.

MPOX is a zoonotic viral disease with symptoms like, but milder than, smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and a characteristic rash. Diagnosis is primarily through PCR testing of skin lesions. There is no specific treatment, but supportive care and antiviral medications can help manage the disease. Preventive measures include vaccination, avoiding contact with potentially infected animals, and adhering to travel and import regulations.

The latest WHO strategies focus on enhancing surveillance, prevention, and control measures to reduce transmission, emphasizing the importance of public health education, safe practices, and access to vaccines and diagnostics.

References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeypox_virus
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpox_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpox
4. https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern