What Is Monkey Pox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease potentially caused by the Monkey pox virus similar to smallpox virus.
The disease is also called zoonotic disease (spreads from animals to humans) and this is a monkeypox virus; not the same as chicken pox.ย
There are2 types of monkeypox virus clade โ & clade 2.
Is Monkey Pox on the rise?
Public health officials have observed a concerning rise in cases of Monkey pox in Connecticut, with 11 cases reported between January 1 and July 8 of this year.ย
This is a 450% increase from the 2 cases reported for the entire year of 2023. In Connecticut, reported cases of Monkey pox have occurred in Fairfield, New Haven, New London, and Hartford counties.ย
Health officials are strongly urging the public to be vaccinated for monkeypox to limit the spread of the disease. Surveillance efforts are in place and health officials are concerned that additional cases may be reported, given the recent rise of infections.ย
Officials are keeping a close eye on the situation and will manage any outbreaks that arise. It is critical that residents remain informed about the impact of the outbreak and consider getting vaccinated, if necessary.ย
If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash or swollen lymph nodes, you should seek medical attention.
ย 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 Monkeyย Pox an STD?
NO, Monkey pox is not a sexually transmitted disease โ mpox is a disease that is transmitted from person to person through skin contact it can not be called a STD as it does NOT get transmitted through seminal or vaginal fluid.
From where didย monkeypox come?
Monkey Pox first appeared in Central and Eastern Africa (Clade I) in 1970, then a few years later in Western Africa (Clade II). A reported outbreak in 2003 occurred in the United States and was linked with wild animals (Clade II).
Since 2005, thousands of suspected cases have been reported in DRC each year, and in 2017, monkeypox emerged again in Nigeria, subsequently spreading among the local population and travelers in the country.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely to avoid additional outbreaks, and as a precaution are advising individuals to be extra cautious, especially when traveling to an endemic area.
If you experience symptoms (fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, etc.), take action immediately to seek medical attention. Thereโs a lot of information circulating about monkeypox, and examine the situation in your area to take the appropriate actions to protect yourself and those around you from getting monkeypox.
In May of 2022, a Monkey Pox outbreak began in Europe and rapidly spread through the United States and soon globally leading to nearly 87,000 reported cases and probably as many as 112 deaths by the end of the year.
The outbreak, caused by human interaction, primarily affected lesbians, transgender individuals, and men who have sex with men; the virus made movement through social networks (man to man), resulting in person-to-person transmission.
In that same year, an outbreak of monkeypox affiliated with Clade 1 MPXV occurred in refugee camps in Sudan, and health authorities worked hard to contain the outbreak and provide medical assistance. These efforts involved monitoring, vaccinations, and public health education to contain the impact of the disease.
It is critical for people to be aware of the risk of monkeypox and to protect themselves, particularly in areas of higher population density and those that are at increased risk based on higher levels of health vulnerability.
Causes of monkeypox/how it gets transmitted?
Both Clade โ and Clade โ ก can also be acquired through direct contact (i.e. intimate or sexual contact) with infected animals or humans. You may be infected by touching the skin or scabs or pus of a person who has mpox rash.
The virus can be passed on through saliva, as well as other respiratory secretions, or bodily fluids.
Touching a personโs anus, rectum, or vagina can pass the virus if the infected person is presenting lesions in those areas.
Pregnant people can pass mpox to the fetus, or after delivery to the baby. The virus can be sexually transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The virus may also be transmitted by touching the genitals.
There is a potential for mpox transmission through hugging, massage, or kissing. The mpox virus can live on fabrics and unclean surfaces for periods of time. Clothing or linens like bedding, towels, or sex toys that have been in contact with infected persons can also be sources of infection for others. And, direct intimate contact with the infected animal, or contact with animal by-products like fluids or waste, or biting or scratching from an infected animal can also be considered potential vectors of infection.
What happens after you get monkeypox?
After being infected by the virus, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the symptoms to develop. Symptoms include: Fever, Headache, Rash, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Muscle aches, and Fatigue.
Once the rash develops, it first appears as flat red bumps that may be very painful. The bumps then develop into blisters full of pus. The blisters then crust and fall off over the next two to four weeks.
The infected person may also develop sores in the mouth, on the face, hands, feet, penis, vagina, or anus. One infection may not include all of the above symptoms.
Some may simply have a rash with other symptoms. The rash may not be as severe or widespread, with only a couple bumps or blisters.
Some infected people may not have any signs or symptoms at all but be able to spread the virus through prolonged close contact.
What are the precautions to be taken?
1.Immunization:
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two dose vaccine. The second JYNNEOS vaccine dose should be given 2 weeks after the first dose to protect from this virus. If it has been more than 4 weeks since you received your first dose, you should get your second dose as soon as it is feasible. You do not need the vaccination if you have previously had Mpox and have recovered from it. You can also access an Mpox vaccine locator for the nearest healthcare provider who is still vaccinating.
2.Steps to Reduce the Risk of Virus Transmission:
People who have not received and completed both doses of the vaccine should avoid close contact and sexual activity.
To reduce the chance of close contact, avoid raves, parties, clubs, or other events where you might be wearing little or no clothing.
Also, avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash or animals that could have Mpox. The rash could be seen on any part of the body including the hands or feet, face, mouth, and genitals; meaning that if you see a rash or scab never touch a rash regardless of where the rash or scab is.
Avoid kissing, hugging, and cuddling individuals diagnosed with infection. When in an area where Mpox is endemic, such as Central or West Africa, do not touch any animal like rodents or primates that could have Mpox..
3.Do Not Make Contact with Infected Items:
Do not share cooking utensils, cups, glasses, and any personal effects with a person infected with mpox.
Infected persons should not share towels or bedding. It is important to
quarantine the infected person in different rooms and prevent contact with healthy people.
4.Wash Your Hands Always:
Always wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating or touching your
face after using the toilet. Hand hygiene is important to protect you and your family against illness.
Early signs and symptoms of monkeypox
The first signs of a Monkey pox viral infection include fever, muscle pains, and a sore throat.
After these initial signs, a rash develops on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, including the palms and soles.
The rash develops over 2 to 4 weeks through several stages: it first develops as macules (flat, red spots), then to papules (raised bumps), vesicles (blisters filled with fluid), and pustules (blisters filled with pus), and lastly develops into scabs as it heals.
How it looks?
Monkey pox can cause pimple-like bumps, especially around the genital area, or sores inside the mouth.
Diagnosis?
The laboratory test of choice for Monkey pox is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). A swab can be collected from the skin, fluid, or crust and if this lesion is absent. The swab can be collected from the back of the throat or your genital and anal area,
Risk Factor
Everyone, especially international travelers going to areas where Monkey pox outbreaks have grown in scale, is at risk of zoonotic infection.
Monkey pox virus is not classified as an STD, however it is more possible for an individual to develop the disease through the routes of transmission of body fluids, close contact, skin-to-skin contact, and also through having sexual intercourse with someone who is infected.
Human Infection with Monkey pox virus can occur from animal contacts due to exposure with animals that have been infected (i.e squirrel,rat , monkey) by being scratched by the infected animal or through exposure to saliva by the infected animal..
Complication:-
It includes
แงSevere scars on face, arm, leg
แงEye infections
แงDeath,in rare cases.
Treatmentย
Anyone that are at Risk for zoonotic infection, particularly international travelers who are traveling to regions with increased Monkey pox outbreaks is at risk.
The monkey pox virus is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), however, the probability of an individual obtaining the disease are through body fluids, close contact, skin to skin contact, and through sex with someone infected with it.
Humans can also be infected with the monkey pox virus through animal contacts when they have come into contact with animals that are infected (i.e. squirrel, rat , monkey) through been bitten or scratched by an animal, or through exposure by the infected animals saliva.
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 rashesโneempatra 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
Although mpox and chickenpox both cause skin rashes, they are caused by different types of viruses. Mpox causes skin rashes from an orthopox virus, while chickenpox is caused by the herpes virus. Both viruses can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads much easier than mpox. The symptoms of chickenpox, including the rash, typically resolve within two weeks. Mpox can take anywhere from two to four weeks for the symptoms to be resolve. Itโs important to be aware that these infections have different presentations, are spread differently, and have different recovery timelines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, monkeypox is a unique complication because it can be transmitted in people and can be presented clinically in a variety of ways. Right now, there are no specific treatments identified for the virus and the management is largely supportive care and symptom management to ensure patient comfort while accounting for the potential complications of monkeypox and when to seek medical care. Management is currently always changing and evolving with research to enhance management of this virus, and while it continues, we want to be educated and tested, when applicable and to take precautions to protect ourselves and others from monkeypox / MPV.
Is the Mpox Virus Making Its Way Back to the U.S.?
First U.S. Case of New Mpox Variant Reported in California
According to the CDC, a patient in California has tested positive for a new variant of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, which is the first confirmed case of this variant in the United States.
Mpox viruses are classified into two genetic groups: clade I and clade II. Clade II is responsible for the mpox outbreak in 2022 in the U.S., which is still circulating with about 3,000 cases reported in the U.S. in 2023. On the other hand, clade I has mostly been reported in Central and East Africa with more than 11,000 cases reported this year.
In August, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations. The California patient, who had traveled to East Africa and is recovering, said the CDC
โInfectious diseases are just a plane ride away,โ David Weber, a professor and medical director of infection prevention at UNC Medical Center, said. โGiven this virusโs impact in Africa for months, the emergence of sporadic cases is not surprising.โ
Clade I was historically correlated with higher rates of severe illness and death, with mortality rates during past outbreaks from 3% to 11%, whereas rates for clade II were from 1% to 4%. The mortality rate associated with clade I has dropped to about 1% in the current outbreak.
In addition, recent cases of the sub-clade Ib variant relatedmto the California strain, have been reported in Germany, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Mpox Infection
Currently, the chance of mpox infection in the U.S. is very low. However, some populations are still at higher risk for mpox, and these include people exposed to clade II mpox. Knowing prevention strategies and treatment options can minimize your chance of infection and protect your health.
Recognizing Mpox Symptoms
Mpox typically starts with a rash of lesions that can be found on the hands, chest, and genitals. Mpox is most frequently reported in males, but there have been instances of mpox reported in transgender male and female populations.
Preventive Measures at Home
If someone in your home has mpox or is a close contact, avoid direct contact with their personal items, including bedding, clothing or towels. You should also avoid sharing toothbrushes, sex toys, or anything else used that might have been contaminated with bodily fluids..
Vaccination: A Key Tool
The CDC supports the recommendation of the Jynneos vaccine for anyone who is deemed to be at increased risk. It is a two dose vaccine, given 28 days apart, and is the only FDA approved vaccine for mpox prevention. If you have already had mpox, or completed the two doses, there is no need for any boosters.
Dr. David Weber, a public health expert, stated, โThere is no reason to think the Jynneos vaccine wouldnโt work equally well against all mpox strains and the best data suggests the immunity lasts at least two years.โ
Treatment Options
Tpoxx (tecovirimat) is the sole antiviral treatment for mpox. Research from Central Africa indicated limited efficacy for clade I infections; however, a study in the U.S., from 2022 to 2023 indicated that Tpoxx reduced symptoms and expedited recovery for many people.
Travel and Awareness
It is important to stay knowledgeable when you travel out of the country. The CDC provides travel updates in order to help travelers advise them of injuries, as well as prevent protection against mpox as well as acquiring other infections.
Dr. Weber stated, โHealthcare providers need to be prepared. Whenever there is a potential that a disease could be rapidly spread globally, we need to be aware that every hospital should have the capability to diagnose and manage highly contagious diseases (mpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers, etc.).โ
There are reasonable steps to take to minimize the risk of acquiring mpox, including all travelers going to empirical areas of mpox transmission should familiarize with current missive, practicing personal hygiene, and consider vacination if going to the area and in a high-risk group.
