Monkeypox | Mpox Virus | Zoonotic viral disease

 

Monkeypox, shortly called Mpox, is a rare disease which is similar to smallpox that can be caused by a virus. Usually, this virus is mostly found in areas of Africa but it can also be seen in other parts of the world. This disease usually causes flu-like symptoms like fever and chills, and a rash that usually takes weeks to cure. No proven treatment for Monkeypox but it cures on its own.

Like the known virus which causes smallpox, it comes under the family of genus Orthopoxvirus. Monkeypox can spread through having close contact with someone who is infected. You can also get the Mpox virus from an infected animal.

Generally, there are two known types of mpox virus: One is originated in Central Africa (Clade I) and another one is originated in West Africa (Clade II). In the year from 2022 to 2023, recent outbreaks in these years are caused by Clade IIb which is the subtype of very less severe West African clade among all other clades.

Symptoms of mpox

Generally, symptoms of Monkeypox begin within 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. The symptoms are:

• A rash that looks like pimples or blisters. This rashes with sores that usually occur on the face, inside your mouth and some other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, genitals, and anus.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands").

• Exhaustion.

• Headache.

• Muscle aches and backache.

• sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough and some other respiratory issues..

You may face al or few symptoms:

• You might get rash followed by other symptoms

• You may face flu-like symptoms and then it develops a rash after 1-4 days

• Or else you might get a rash.

Transmission

Monkeypox spreads when you have direct contact with an animal or person who is infected with the virus.

One Person to another person Mpox transmission occurs, if you have direct contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of a person who is infected with Mpox virus, usually by having close contact, intimate contacts like cuddling, kissing or sex. But the research is ongoing, but experts are not sure if the Mpox virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids.

Animal to person spread occurs through broken skin like from bites or scratches from an animal or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids or sores.

You can also get the mpox virus by having direct contact with contaminated materials like clothing, bedding and other linens which are used by a person or animal who is infected with the virus.

Diagnosis

At first, your provider thought that they had other rash problems like measles or chickenpox. But swollen lymph nodes typically differ mpox from other poxes.

To diagnose Mpox, your provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore called lesion. Then they send it to the laboratory for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. And followed this, take a blood sample to identify the mpox virus or antibodies that your immune system makes.

Treatment for mpox

People who are infected with mpox, treatments usually aimed at easing the symptoms. You should take care by drinking enough liquids and pain management.

If you are infected with Mpox, you should isolate at home in a separate room from family members and pets until your rash and scabs heal completely.

There is no approved or specific treatment for Mpox. Healthcare providers may treat the Mpox with some antiviral drugs which are usually used to treat smallpox such as tecovirimat  or brincidofovir. For those who are unlikely to respond to the vaccination, your caretaker might offer vaccinia immune globulin which has antibodies from people who got smallpox vaccine.

Complications of mpox

Some complications are:

• In some people, they experience severe scars on the body parts like face, arm and legs

• Blindness

• Other infections

• Death, in rare cases

The type of Monkeypox virus spread in the year of 2022 outbreak called Clade II which rarely leads to death.

You always remember that Monkeypox is very rare and this virus does not spread easily to people without any close contact.

Other ways to prevent mpox

In addition to vaccines, some other ways that prevent the spread of Monkeypox which includes:

• You should avoid having contact with infected animals,particularly in sick or dead animals.

• Always avoid contact with highly contaminated viruses in the bedding and other materials.

• You should cook thoroughly all foods that contain animal meat or parts.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap or with alcohol based hand wash.

• You should avoid contact with people who might be infected with the virus.

• You should follow safe sex, including the use of condoms and dental dams.

• You should wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you around with crowd

• You should clean and disinfect the places where you touch frequently.

• Use PPE(personal protective equipment) when you care for people who are infected with the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do you get monkeypox virus?

Ans: Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, crusts or fluids from sores, saliva, or infected bodily fluids, including respiratory secretions.

Q2. What happens if you get monkeypox?

Ans: It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.

Q3. Is there a cure for monkeypox?

Ans: There is no treatment specifically for mpox. 

Q4. How do you avoid getting monkeypox?

Ans: Avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets or other materials that have been in contact with an infected animal or person.

Q5. Is monkey pox itchy?

Ans: The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.