Monkey Pox

What Is Monkey Pox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that may be caused by the Monkey pox virus. It is similar to the smallpox virus.

 It is also called zoonotic disease(spreads from animals to humans) but this monkeypox virus differs from chicken pox. 

There are 2 types of monkeypox virus clade Ⅰ & cladeⅡ.

Is Monkey Pox on the rise?

According to public health officials, there has been a notable increase in Monkey pox cases in Connecticut, with 11 confirmed cases reported from January 1 to July 8 of this year.

 Compared to the 2 cases reported in the entire year of 2023, this marks a staggering 450% increase. The affected counties in Connecticut include Fairfield, New Haven, New London, and Hartford.

 Health authorities are strongly recommending that the public get vaccinated against monkeypox to prevent further spread of the disease. Surveillance efforts are currently underway, and there is a concern that additional cases may emerge in the coming weeks.

 Officials are actively monitoring the situation to manage and contain any potential outbreaks. Residents must stay informed about the situation and consider getting vaccinated as a preventive measure.

 If anyone shows symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, they should seek medical attention promptly.

 Monkeypox in 2024?

According to CDC reports, 600 positive cases have been reported so far this year, out of which more than 500 cases are from the US.

Is Monkey  Pox an STD?

NO , Monkey pox is not a sexually transmitted disease as  mpox is a disease that is spread from person to person by a skin contact it cannot be called an STD as it doesn’t get transmitted through seminal or vaginal fluid.

From where did  monkeypox come?

Since 1970, Monkey pox first appeared in Central and Eastern Africa (Clade I) and later in Western Africa (Clade II). In 2003, an outbreak in the United States was linked to wild animals (Clade II).

 Since 2005, thousands of suspected cases reported in DRC every yearIn 2017, monkeypox resurfaced in Nigeria and has since been spreading among both locals and travelers across the country.

 Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further outbreaks and are urging people to be cautious, especially when traveling to affected areas.

 If you experience symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical attention promptly. It’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from contracting monkeypox

.In May 2022, a Monkey pox outbreak rapidly spread across Europe, the United States, and eventually worldwide, leading to about 87,000 reported cases and 112 deaths by the end of the year.

The outbreak predominantly affected lesbians, transgender individuals, and men who have sex with men, although it also impacted others. The virus spreads primarily through social networks, facilitating person-to-person transmission

During the same year, there was an outbreak of monkeypox caused by Clade 1 MPXV in refugee camps in Sudan. Health officials worked diligently to contain the outbreak and provide medical care to those affected. Efforts included surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and public health education to mitigate further spread of the virus.

It’s important for everyone to stay informed about the risks associated with monkeypox and to take necessary precautions, especially in densely populated areas and communities with higher vulnerability. 

Causes of monkeypox/how it gets transmitted?

Both clade Ⅰ and clade Ⅱ can also be caused by direct contact with infected animals or humans, including intimacy or sexual contact. You can get infected by contacting the skin or scabs of a person with mpox rash.

 The virus can also spread through contact with saliva, respiratory secretions, and bodily fluids. 

If an infected person has lesions in their anus, rectum, or vagina, touching these areas can also transmit the virus.

Pregnant women can pass the infection to the fetus or after delivery to the baby. The virus can spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, as well as by touching the genitals

There is a risk of transmission through activities like hugging, massage, or kissing. MPox virus can survive on fabrics and surfaces that haven’t been properly disinfected. Clothing, bedding, towels, and sex toys that come into contact with an infected person can potentially spread the virus. Direct, close contact with infected animals, their fluids, or waste, or being bitten or scratched by an infected animal can also lead to infection

What happens after you get monkeypox?

After exposure to virus it may take few days to a few weeks before the symptoms developed. These symptoms include:Fever, Headache, Rash, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Muscle aches, and Fatigue

When the rash first appears, it starts as flat red bumps that can be quite painful. These bumps then develop into blisters filled with pus. Eventually, the blisters form crusts that fall off over the course of two to four weeks. 

The person infected may also develop sores on their mouth, face, hands, feet, penis, vagina, or anus. Not everyone infected will experience all these symptoms. 

Some may only have a rash without any other signs. The rash can vary in severity, ranging from widespread to just a few bumps or blisters.

In some cases, infected individuals may show no signs or symptoms at all but can still spread the virus through prolonged close contact.

What are the precautions to be taken?

1. Vaccination: 

The JYNNEOS vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given 2 weeks after the first to prevent this virus.

 Even if more than 4 weeks have passed since the first dose, it’s important to get the second dose as soon as possible.

 If you have previously had Mpox and recovered from it, vaccination is not necessary.

 You can use the Mpox vaccine locator to find the nearest healthcare provider offering the vaccine.

2. Steps to Lower the Risk of Virus Transmission:

 If you haven’t completed both doses of the vaccination, it’s crucial to avoid close contact and sexual activity. 

Avoid events like raves, parties, or clubs where minimal clothing is worn to reduce close contact.

 Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with individuals showing a rash or with animals that can carry the Mpox virus. Since the rash can appear on various body parts including hands, 

feet, face, mouth, and genitals, refrain from touching any rash or scabs. 

Avoid kissing, hugging, or cuddling with an infected person. In regions where Mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa, avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates known to carry the virus.

3. Avoid Contact with Infected Objects: 

Do not share eating utensils, cups, glasses, or any personal items with someone infected with Mpox. 

Infected individuals should not share towels or bedding. It’s important to 

Isolate the infected person in a separate area and prevent contact with healthy individuals.

4. Always Wash Hands: 

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your 

face after using the bathroom. Proper hand hygiene is crucial for protecting yourself and your family from illness.

Early signs and symptoms of monkeypox

When a person is infected with the Monkey pox virus, the first symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, and a sore throat.

 Following these initial signs, a rash appears on the face and gradually spreads across the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

 This rash evolves over 2 to 4 weeks through several stages: starting as macules (flat red spots), progressing to papules (small raised bumps), then vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), and finally pustules (filled with pus), which eventually form scabs as they heal.

How it looks?

Monkey pox can cause pimple-like bumps, especially around the genital area, or sores inside the mouth.

Diagnosis?

PCR(polymerase chain reaction) is the preferred laboratory test for Monkey pox.A swab from the skin,fluid or crust can be collected, if the lesion is not present then the swab can be collected from the back of the throat or from your genital or anal area,

Risk Factor

Any person who is an international traveler and especially travels to endemic countries and places where outbreaks have increased is at risk of infecting the disease.

Monkey pox virus is not an STD but may tend to develop in the person through body fluids, close contact, skin-to-skin contact and also having sex with an infected person

Animal-to-human transmission of Monkey pox virus can occur if the person is in contact with the animals that have been infected(i.e squirrel,rat , monkey) through scratch by the animal  or the saliva may increase the risk of getting infected.

Complication:-

It includes

ᐧSevere scars on face, arm, leg

ᐧEye infections

ᐧPneumonia

ᐧEncephalitis

ᐧMyocarditis

ᐧDeath,in rare cases.

Treatment 

Currently, there’s no specific treatment for Monkey pox virus. Most people will recover on their own within 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, you can focus on supportive care and managing symptoms to help you feel better. Drinking plenty of water is essential to stay hydrated.

Although antiviral medications like tecovirimat or brincidofovir can be used,  Tecovirimat  was made available for the treatment of certain infected persons but data are not yet available on the effectiveness of the drug in treating Monkey pox infection 

 Therefore, the main approach remains supportive care and symptom management until more research is available.

Treatment of Monkey pox as per ayurveda

For fever-Maha sudharshan ghana vati,lakshmivillas rasa,amritarishta

For rakta pitta dushti-panchnimbadi vati,aragwadhaarishta

For cleaning of maculo papular rashes–neempatra kwath,triphala kwath

For immunity booster-chyavanprash,Brahma Rasayana

Diet-

Foods to eat:-

Should consume lukewarm water

Old brown rice,chickpea, green gram beans, oatmeal, red lentil, grapes, pomegranate

Daily practice of yoga and pranayam.

Foods to avoid:-

Oily and junk food, newly harvested rice, excesses salt, pungent and sour foods

Smoking, and consumption of alcohol is prohibited

Mpox vs chicken pox

Mpox and chickenpox both cause skin rashes but are caused by different viruses. Mpox is an orthopox virus, while chickenpox is caused by the herpes virus. Both viruses can spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads very easily compared to mpox. Symptoms of chickenpox, including the rash, typically improve within two weeks. On the other hand, mpox can take anywhere from two to four weeks for symptoms to resolve. It’s important to be aware of these differences in how these infections present and spread, as well as their respective recovery timelines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with monkeypox virus can be challenging due to its ability to spread among humans and its range of symptoms. At the moment, there’s no specific medicine designed to treat it directly. The main approach involves providing supportive care and managing symptoms to help patients feel more comfortable. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for any potential complications and seek medical help promptly if needed. Ongoing research aims to find better ways to tackle this virus, highlighting the importance of staying informed and taking preventive measures to protect ourselves and others from monkeypox

Is the Mpox Virus Making Its Way Back to the U.S.?

First U.S. Case of New Mpox Variant Reported in California

A patient in California has tested positive for a new strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, marking the first confirmed case of this variant in the United States, according to the CDC.

Mpox viruses are categorized into two main genetic types: clade I and clade II. Clade II, responsible for the 2022 mpox outbreak in the U.S., continues circulating, with approximately 3,000 cases reported nationwide in 2023. Meanwhile, clade I has predominantly been confined to Central and East Africa, where over 11,000 cases have been documented this year.

In August, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations. The California patient, who had recently traveled to East Africa, is reportedly recovering, the CDC shared.

“Infectious diseases are just a plane ride away. Given the presence of this virus in Africa for months, sporadic cases spreading to other parts of the world are inevitable,” explained Dr. David Weber, a professor and medical director of infection prevention at UNC Medical Center.

Historically, clade I has been associated with higher rates of severe illness and death, with mortality rates ranging from 3% to 11% in past outbreaks, compared to 1% to 4% for clade II. In the current outbreak, clade I’s mortality rate has declined to about 1%.

Recent cases of the sub-clade Ib variant, linked to the strain found in California, have also been reported in countries such as Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Mpox Infection

While the risk of mpox infection in the U.S. is currently very low, certain groups remain at higher risk—particularly those exposed to clade II mpox. Understanding prevention strategies and treatment options is crucial for reducing your risk and protecting your health.

Recognizing Mpox Symptoms

Mpox often starts as a rash, with lesions that can appear on the hands, chest, and genitals. While it’s less commonly seen in women, cases have been reported among transgender individuals.

Preventive Measures at Home

If someone in your household has mpox or has been exposed to it, avoid direct contact with their personal items like bedding, clothing, or towels. It’s also essential not to share toothbrushes, sex toys, or other items that could carry bodily fluids.

Vaccination: A Key Tool

The CDC recommends the Jynneos vaccine for individuals at higher risk. This two-dose vaccine, administered 28 days apart, is currently the only FDA-approved option for mpox prevention. If you’ve already had mpox or completed the two-dose series, additional boosters are not necessary.

Dr. David Weber, a public health expert, explained, “There’s no reason to believe the Jynneos vaccine wouldn’t work equally well against all mpox strains. Current evidence suggests the immunity it provides lasts at least two years.”

Treatment Options

Tpoxx (tecovirimat) is the only antiviral medication available for mpox. While studies in Central Africa showed limited effectiveness for clade I infections, recent research in the U.S. found that Tpoxx helped reduce symptoms and sped up recovery for many individuals between 2022 and 2023.

Travel and Awareness

For those traveling abroad, staying informed is critical. The CDC provides up-to-date travel recommendations to help individuals protect themselves from mpox and other infectious diseases.

Dr. Weber emphasizes the importance of preparedness: “Healthcare providers must recognize that diseases can travel quickly. Every hospital should be equipped to diagnose and treat highly contagious illnesses like mpox.”

By staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and considering vaccination if you’re in a high-risk group, you can significantly reduce your risk of mpox infection.

Frequently Asked Question