What is MonkeyPox and How Did It Originate?!

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. This infection occurs principally in Central and Western Africa and is transmitted to humans from animals, especially rodents and primates. The disease clinically manifests itself through general symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, and rash, with lesions in different stages of development that end up forming pustules.

It could be transmitted through direct contact with animals, people, or other contaminated materials. In the past several years, outbreaks have occurred outside of Africa, bringing greater awareness and public health concern. While most cases are mild in nature, some may cause severe diseases in those whose host immune function is compromised. Vaccines are available, as are antiviral treatments that can be used to contain outbreaks.

Where did Monkeypox come from?

First identified in 1958, the virus was named after two outbreaks had occurred in laboratory monkeys in Denmark. The disease, however, is not confined to monkeys; it is generally believed to circulate mainly in small mammals, particularly rodents, in Central and West Africa.

The first human case of the virus occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, an area then known as Zaire. Since then, scattered cases of the disease have been reported across much of Africa. These reports usually result either from direct contact with infected animals or through person-to-person transmission.

It is in the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox and is believed to have originated from a zoonotic transmission-that the virus jumped from animals to humans. Infection can occur by direct contact with infected animals through an attack method or even by mere handling of body fluids or lesions of such an animal.

The outbreaks of the monkeypox virus beyond Africa, especially those during 2022, attracted more recent international interest in showing its potential for spread beyond earlier geographic confines.

How Do I know if I have MonkeyPox?

The incubation period of the disease, from the time of exposure to the beginning of symptoms, ranges from 5 to 21 days. These may include the following:

• Fever: Many times this is one of the initial manifestations and is associated with chills.
• Headache: Severe headaches are common.
• Muscle aches: There is generalized body ache.
• Fatigue: A feeling of profound tiredness or lassitude.
• Swollen lymph nodes: This can occur in the neck, armpits, or groin, distinguishing monkeypox from smallpox.
• Rash: The pathognomonic rash typically develops within 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. The rash begins as flat, red spots or macules, soon becoming raised bumps or papules. These ultimately blister into fluid-containing vesicles that crust over. The rash tends to appear initially in the head and hand region but may be seen on any part of the body. Mucous membranes may also be involved. The rash in its entirety can last up to 2 to 4 weeks.

The symptoms can vary in degree, and not everyone will have all the symptoms. Anyone with a suspicion of having monkeypox or contact with anyone thus infected should seek medical attention.

How is MonkeyPox Treated?

The cornerstone of monkeypox treatment is symptomatic. There is no specific antiviral therapy approved against monkeypox. Options include:

• Supportive care: hydration, pain management, and fever control. Over-the-counter medications of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given for pain and fever.
• Antiviral Medication: Certain antiviral drugs, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), have been used in cases of monkeypox, particularly in severe cases or in immunocompromised patients. This medicine is active against orthopoxviruses, a group of viruses to which monkeypox belongs.
• Vaccination: Smallpox vaccine vaccination may also be protective against monkeypox. In some circumstances, this vaccine could be recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis among people who, in the last couple of weeks, have been in close contact with a person who had the disease.
• Infection Control: This is achieved through the isolation of the infected person to prevent others from acquiring the virus. It also includes stringent hygiene by health professionals, such as hand washing and use of personal protective equipment, to prevent them from coming in contact with the virus.
• Management of Complications: Most cases are allowed to heal on their own. More serious cases sometimes require hospitalization to monitor complications that may develop, such as secondary infections.

If you think you have monkeypox or have been exposed, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances.