Monkeypox has recently become a global threat again. What is it and how can we prevent it?

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization announced that the monkeypox outbreak once again constituted a "public health emergency of international concern".

Origin and Background of Monkeypox

Monkeypox was first discovered by scientists in 1958, when it was detected in green monkeys in a laboratory in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, it was not until 1970 that the first human case of monkeypox was reported in Congo. Since then, monkeypox outbreaks have mainly been prevalent in the tropical rainforests of central and western Africa, but in recent years have gradually spread around the world.

In 2022, the monkeypox epidemic spread rapidly around the world, and confirmed cases were reported in many countries. In July of that year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern." In 2024, the monkeypox epidemic escalated again, and the WHO issued another warning, declaring it a "public health emergency of international concern." The number of global cases surged, causing great concern among the global public health system.

Key Features

1. Incubation period: The incubation period of monkeypox is generally 5 to 21 days, during which time the patient usually does not have any symptoms.

2. Duration of symptoms: It usually takes two to four weeks from the onset of symptoms to recovery.

Monkeypox symptoms and manifestations

Monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms include:

1. Fever: After infection with the monkeypox virus, the patient will first experience fever, with the body temperature reaching over 39°C.

2. Swollen lymph nodes: In the early stages of infection, patients often experience swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin.

3. Rash and blisters: As the disease progresses, the patient will develop a rash all over the body, which gradually evolves into blisters and pustules. These blisters and pustules may be accompanied by bleeding tendencies and are usually concentrated on the face, hands and feet.

4. Other symptoms: Patients may also experience severe headaches, back pain, myalgia and extreme weakness.

The course of monkeypox is generally 14 to 21 days, with the rash developing from maculopapular rash to blisters and pustules, and finally forming scabs and falling off. Although most patients can recover, severe patients may develop complications such as bacterial infection, sepsis, lung infection and respiratory distress syndrome, and even die.

How Monkeypox is Spread?

There are several main ways of transmission of monkeypox:

1. Direct contact transmission: This is the main way of transmission of monkeypox virus. The virus can enter the human body through contact with the blood, body fluids, skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals, or direct contact with the rash, scabs, body fluids or oral secretions of monkeypox patients.

2. Indirect contact transmission: Contact with items contaminated with monkeypox virus, such as clothing, bed sheets, towels, tableware, etc., may also lead to infection.

3. Droplet transmission: When a monkeypox patient coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets containing the virus are released. If you are in close contact with an infected person and do not take protective measures, you may be infected by inhaling droplets.

4. Mother-to-child transmission: If a pregnant woman is infected with monkeypox virus during pregnancy, the virus may enter the fetus through the placenta, or be transmitted to the newborn through breastfeeding during or after delivery.

5. Digestive tract transmission: Although relatively rare, eating food or water contaminated with monkeypox virus may also cause infection.

How is monkeypox diagnosed?

The diagnosis of monkeypox is usually based on clinical manifestations and medical history. The doctor may perform the following examinations:

1. Medical history inquiry: including exposure history, travel history, etc.

2. Physical examination: observe whether there is a typical rash.

3. Laboratory testing: confirm the monkeypox virus through PCR testing, blood antibody/antigen testing, etc.

Treatment for monkeypox

There is no specific drug for the treatment of monkeypox, but the following measures can be taken to relieve symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Symptomatic treatment:

Antipyretics: such as acetaminophen, relieve fever and discomfort.

Painkillers: reduce symptoms of muscle pain and headache.

Anti-allergic drugs: relieve itching caused by the rash.

2. Maintain good hygiene habits: avoid contact with others to prevent transmission.

3. Isolation: After diagnosis, isolation should be carried out until full recovery to prevent the spread of the virus.

How to prevent monkeypox?

1. Avoid contact with sources of infection:

Avoid contact with skin lesions or body fluids from suspected or confirmed monkeypox patients.

Reduce contact with wild animals, especially rodents and primates, which may be carriers of the monkeypox virus.

Do not eat uncooked or unprocessed wild animal meat.

2. Personal Hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks, especially when dealing with suspected or confirmed cases.

3. Social distance and personal protection:

Maintain social distance and avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed cases.

Wear a mask in areas of outbreak, especially in closed or crowded spaces.

Avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils, towels or bedding.

4. Travel precautions:

Take extra precautions if traveling to areas where monkeypox is prevalent.

Avoid contact with local wildlife markets or live animals.

Pay attention to local public health guidance and recommendations.

5. Sexual health and prevention of mother-to-child transmission:

Practice safe sex, use condoms, and avoid unclean sex.

Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid contact with any potential source of infection.

6. Get vaccinated:

The smallpox vaccine (cowpox vaccine) has shown some protection against monkeypox.

If you are in a high-risk setting, such as a health care worker, or have come into contact with someone with monkeypox, you may want to consider getting vaccinated.

7. Self-monitoring and isolation:

If you have been in contact with a monkeypox patient, please monitor yourself for the development of any symptoms.

If you have suspected symptoms of monkeypox (such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, etc.), you should immediately contact a medical institution and follow its guidance for isolation.

8. Environmental cleaning and disinfection:

Throughly clean and disinfect the places where suspected or confirmed cases have lived or visited.

9. Education and awareness raising:

Increase personal knowledge about monkeypox, how it is transmitted and how to prevent it.

Participate in public health training or activities to learn the latest prevention information.

If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox virus or are experiencing related symptoms, please contact your local medical provider as soon as possible for appropriate evaluation and guidance.

As the monkeypox outbreak develops, so does public concern. It is important for everyone to understand the basics of monkeypox, how it is transmitted, and how to prevent it. If you think you may have been exposed to an infected person or have symptoms, please seek medical advice immediately.