Monkeypox outbreak 2022

monkey-pox

• The monkeypox virus causes monkeypox, a rare disease. The monkeypox virus is responsible for this uncommon viral zoonotic infection, which causes a rash that looks like smallpox and can be fatal.
• The Orthopoxvirus genus belongs to the Poxviridae family, which includes monkeypox. It also has the Variola virus (the cause of smallpox), the vaccinia virus (used in the vaccine), and the cowpox virus (the source of the disease). A pox on monkeys is unrelated to chickenpox in any way.

When It was first discovered?

• A pox-like disease was discovered in monkey colonies in 1958 when two monkeypox outbreaks occurred. Even though we name it “monkeypox,” there’s still no way to know what causes the disease. Some non-human primates, such as monkeys, may carry the virus and spread it to humans in Africa.
• The first monkeypox case came on record in 1970. Several other central and western African countries have also reported cases of monkeypox since that time. International travel or animal imports were responsible for nearly all human monkeypox cases before 2022 when an outbreak occurred in Africa.

Symptoms and signs

The monkeypox virus is responsible for the uncommon disease of monkeypox. Viruses that cause smallpox and monkeypox share a common ancestor. As with smallpox, monkeypox has similar symptoms but is much less severe. Monkey and chickenpox are not related.

Monkeypox can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Chest pains and swelling in the lymph nodes.
• Fever
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Rash that looks like pimples or blisters and appears on the face, inside the mouth, on the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. Headache. Muscle aches. Swollen lymph nodes.

Before the rash completely heals, it goes through several stages. Usually, the illness lasts for two to four weeks.

A rash may be the first sign of a more severe illness. Those who get a rash are the exception.

The Pandemic of 2022

monkey-pox

• There is more than 200 monkeypox confirmed cases in Europe, the United States, and Australia as of May 25, 2022.

• Central and western Africa are the most commonly reported locations for this disease in the past.

For those residing in Pakistan

•  Stil no case reported in Pakistan, so there is no need to be alarmed.
• Monkeypox is still a mystery, but early data suggests that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men account for most cases. Monkeypox is contagious, but it passes on through close contact.

How it spreads:

 A variety of methods exist for spreading monkeypox. The virus can spread from one person to another by contacting an infected person.

• direct or indirect exposure to an infectious lesion such as a rash, a scab, or bodily fluids
• Excessive exhalation that occurs as a result of prolonged face-to-to-face contact or during sexually explicit physical contact
• Using items (such as clothing or linens) that have come into contact with the infectious rash or bodily fluids.

• The placenta of a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her unborn child.

As with monkeypox, people can contract the disease from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten or by eating or using products from infected animals, such as meat.

Incubation period

1. An incubation period is the interval of time that elapses between being infected or coming into contact with an agent and showing symptoms or indications of illness.
2. After the rash has healed and a new layer of skin has grown, still, there is the possibility to transfer monkeypox. Typically, the disease lasts for two to four weeks.
3. who doesn’t show symptoms? They cannot transfer Monkeypox, by those Monkeypox has not been proven to transmit by semen or vaginal secretions.

Diagnosis

• Diagnostic tests are sufficient in the majority of cases (symptoms and rash).

• An immunofluorescent antibody test and viral isolation are two common methods of laboratory validation.

Prevention

• Make sure that you don’t come into direct touch with the rash of monkeypox.
• For those who have monkeypox, no one should touch them, including their rash or scabs.
• Do not kiss, cuddle, or have intercourse with People with monkeypox.
• Avoid sharing dining utensils or glasses.
• Don’t touch a sick person’s bedding, towels, or clothing
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water to wash your hands often, especially after coming into contact with ill persons
• In Central and West Africa, stay away from rodents and primates that carry the monkeypox virus. As a precaution, steer clear of stricken or dead animals and any bedding or other objects they’ve touched.

Isolate Monkeypox patients at home. Reserve a separate room or area for them if they show signs of an active rash or other symptoms.

 Vaccination

• JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000 are FDA-approved vaccinations for the prevention of monkeypox infection
• As of right now, JYNNEOS is scarce in the United States; however, more should become available in the following weeks and months.
• ACAM2000 is readily available. People with specific health concerns, such as weaker immune systems, skin diseases including atopic dermatitis/eczema, or pregnancy, should not receive this vaccination.
• Data on the efficacy of these vaccinations in the present outbreak is not available.

Treatment

Obviously, Infections with the monkeypox virus do not have a specific treatment. It’s also possible that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to prevent and treat the smallpox virus. You can use it to prevent and treat the infection of the monkeypox virus.

Prescribe TPOXX (tecovirimat) and other antivirals to patients with compromised immune systems who are more likely to become ill.

Hence, consult Your healthcare provider even if you do not believe you have been exposed to monkeypox.