Transmission and Spread of Monkeypox
Transmission of Monkeypox from Animals to Humans
Transmission from animals to humans occurs through contact with the blood, secretions, or open wounds of infected animals, as well as by consuming raw meat from infected animals. In Africa, this transmission is generally associated with the consumption of rodents, including squirrels and rats, as well as some types of monkeys. While scientists are still uncertain about the exact origin of the disease, it is likely that rodents were the initial source of the virus.
Human-to-Human Transmission
Human-to-human transmission occurs when a person comes into contact with respiratory secretions, open wounds, or contaminated items used by an infected patient. Additionally, prolonged exposure to aerosolized particles from an infected patient can lead to infection, which is why healthcare workers and individuals living with infected patients are at higher risk. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child after birth or during pregnancy.
Can Monkeypox be Transmitted through Sexual Contact?
It has not been confirmed whether the virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, but recent reports have revealed an increase in cases among sexually active gay men, with clinical indications in their genital areas and surrounding regions. This has led to the hypothesis that monkeypox might be transmitted through sexual intercourse or during sexual activity.
Risk of Infection in Vulnerable Groups
Based on studies conducted on disease transmission, it has been found that individuals most at risk are those living in areas close to outbreaks or those who have traveled to African countries. People who have had close contact with infected animals or patients, healthcare workers and researchers studying the disease, individuals living with an infected patient, and those engaging in activities with an infected person, as well as those living near forested areas, are at higher risk of infection. However, rates of transmission through other means remain very low.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The incubation period for monkeypox ranges from 6 to 13 days, after which symptoms begin to appear. The symptoms can be divided into two main stages as follows:
Stage One: 0 – 5 Days
- Fever
- Headache
- Aches and pains
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a distinguishing symptom of monkeypox compared to smallpox and chickenpox, as the latter two do not cause this symptom.
Rash Stage: 1 – 3 Days After Fever Onset
The rash tends to appear on the face and arms, rather than on the patient’s abdomen. However, the rash can also occur on the hands, feet, mouth, and inside or around the eyes. It begins as red spots and red bruises but quickly develops into transparent blisters that turn yellow over time and eventually dry out and fall off. In severe cases, these blisters can become very large and remove patches of skin when they peel off, although all symptoms generally resolve without treatment within 2 to 4 weeks.
Serious complications associated with the disorder include recurrent infections, pneumonia, septic infections, neurological infections, and vision loss resulting from eye infections.
Severity of the Disease and Mortality Rates
Although the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, they are actually less severe, with most patients recovering without treatment within 2-4 weeks of contracting the virus. The mortality rates for this disease range from approximately 0% to 11%, with most deaths occurring among children. Furthermore, recent figures indicate that the mortality rate has decreased to between 3-6%, with children, adolescents, and those with weakened immune systems being the most at risk. This is because most adult populations have received the smallpox vaccine, which may help protect them from monkeypox.
Diagnosis of Monkeypox
Patients with a rash should be diagnosed to rule out other conditions associated with it, such as smallpox, chickenpox, scabies, syphilis, skin allergies, and drug allergies.
Additionally, swollen lymph nodes are an indicator that the patient may have monkeypox rather than smallpox or chickenpox. However, medical staff will usually try to confirm their diagnosis with additional tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which involves taking a tissue sample from the patient and sending it for laboratory analysis. Patients should also be sure to report their symptoms and the timeline of their onset, as well as inform their doctor if they have received any vaccinations related to this type of disease, which could cause a false positive result.
Prevention of Monkeypox Infection
The smallpox vaccine can play a role in reducing the likelihood of contracting monkeypox by approximately 85%. Additionally, there are vaccines being developed specifically to provide protection against monkeypox. Besides vaccination, certain practices can help individuals reduce the risk of infection, including the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with infected patients.
- Avoid consuming raw meat.
- Avoid contact with wild animals and their secretions, especially animals suspected of carrying the virus, such as monkeys and rodents.
- Those working in research facilities and healthcare workers should use personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection.
Treatment of Monkeypox
Most patients with monkeypox recover without the need for treatment, so most care focuses on managing symptoms, such as using saline solutions and intravenous nutrients to reduce the risk of complications and prevent any long-term side effects. However, some countries also use antiviral medications, including tecovirimat and cidofovir.
Although the current monkeypox outbreak has not reached a critical level and the mortality rates are not concerning at this time, the constantly evolving nature of such viruses suggests that we need to remain vigilant and keep up with the latest developments related to the disease.
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