What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It was first detected in 1957 in captive monkeys in Denmark, but its natural reservoir, or primary animal host, remains unknown. African squirrels and rodents are believed to play a significant role in its transmission.
How Long Has Monkeypox Been Around?
Monkeypox was first identified as a human disease in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Between 1970 and 1980, 59 cases of human monkeypox were reported in West and Central Africa, with a mortality rate of 17%.
What Factors Have Contributed to the Recent Outbreak?
Several factors are thought to have contributed to the recent global outbreak of monkeypox:
- Deforestation: Disruption of the natural habitat of wild animals,increases their interaction with humans and potentially enhances the spread of zoonotic diseases like monkeypox.
- Civil Unrest and Poverty: Limited access to healthcare and vaccination programs, makes populations more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
- Climate Change: Caused by alteration of the distribution of animal hosts and pathogens, potentially increasing the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
- Cessation of Smallpox Vaccination: The eradication of smallpox in the 1980s led to a decline in immunity to monkeypox, as the smallpox vaccine also provides some form of protection against monkeypox.
Where is Monkeypox Commonly Found?
Monkeypox is primarily found in Central and West Africa, with the highest incidence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The animal hosts of monkeypox include:
- Rope Squirrel
- African Dormouse
- Gambian Pouched Rat
- Sooty Mangabey
How is Monkeypox Spread?
Monkeypox can spread to humans through:
- Contact with infected animals: This can occur through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or lesions.
- Secondary transmission from human to human: Once a person is infected, they can spread the virus to others through close contact with their respiratory secretions or skin lesions.
What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure. The illness progresses through distinct stages:
- Incubation Period: This phase lasts 5 to 21 days and is asymptomatic.
- Febrile Stage: This stage lasts 1 to 4 days and is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills, sore throat, malaise, and fatigue. The virus is present in the blood during this stage.
- Rash Stage: This stage lasts 2 to 4 weeks and is marked by the appearance of a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash progresses from flat lesions to raised bumps filled with fluid, which eventually form scabs that fall off, leaving behind pitted scars or areas of lighter or darker skin.
- Recovery: Most people recover from monkeypox within a few weeks, but in some cases, the illness can be severe or even fatal.
How is Monkeypox Diagnosed?
Monkeypox is diagnosed by collecting a sample of a skin lesion and sending it to a laboratory for testing. The Philippine Genome Center or the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine are equipped to perform monkeypox testing.
Is Monkeypox Deadly?
The fatality rate for monkeypox varies depending on the viral strain and individual factors. The Congo Basin clade has a mortality rate of around 10%, while the West African clade has a mortality rate of around 1%. Factors that can increase the severity of monkeypox include:
- Viral Clade: The Congo Basin clade is generally associated with more severe disease.
- Access to Medical Care: Early access to medical care can improve the chances of recovery.
- Extent of Exposure: The severity of the illness may be related to the extent of exposure to the virus.
- Health Status: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may be more susceptible to severe monkeypox.
Who is Most at Risk of Monkeypox?
Anyone who comes into contact with an infected animal or person is at risk of contracting monkeypox. However, certain groups are considered to be at higher risk, including:
- Children: more likely to experience severe monkeypox.
- Pregnant Women: increased risk of severe monkeypox, and can also pose risks to the developing fetus.
- People with Weak Immune Systems: such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to develop severe monkeypox
