Monkeypox virus
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- Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’ The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus.
- Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.
- The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.
- The natural reservoir of monkeypox remains unknown. However, African rodent species are suspected to play a role in transmission.
- There are two distinct genetic groups (clades) of monkeypox virus—Central African and West African.
- Human infections with the Central African monkeypox virus clade are typically more severe compared to those with the West African virus clade and have a higher mortality.
- Person-to-person spread is well-documented for Central African monkeypox virus and limited with West African monkeypox.
Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]
- In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.
- The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not.
Incubation period[edit | edit source]
The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.
Onset[edit | edit source]
It starts with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.
- Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:
- Macules
- Papules
- Vesicles
- Pustules
- Scabs
The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
- Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.
- The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
- Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding.
- Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets.
- Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.
- Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.
- The reservoir host (main disease carrier) of monkeypox is still unknown although African rodents are suspected to play a part in transmission.
- The virus that causes monkeypox has only been recovered (isolated) twice from an animal in nature.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
- Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection.
- For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used
Prevention[edit | edit source]
- There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus:
- Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
- Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
- Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
- Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
Vaccine[edit | edit source]
- Jynneos (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) is an attenuated live virus vaccine which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is currently evaluating JYNNEOSTM for the protection of people at risk of occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses such as smallpox and monkeypox in a pre-event setting.
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD