Regarding the increase in cases in Spain and the appearance of some cases in Canary Islands, from CanaryDoctor we want to bring relevant information so that you are informed about this pathology.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the virus of the same name. Monkeypox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. This genre also includes:
- Variola virus (causes smallpox),
- Vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine) and
- The cowpox virus.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research, hence the name "monkeypox."
During a period of efforts to eliminate the smallpox virus, the first human case of monkeypox was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since then, cases of monkeypox have been reported in people from several other West and Central African countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone) . But most of the infections have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cases of monkeypox have occurred in people outside of Africa related to international travel or imported animals, including cases in Europe, the United States, as well as in Israel and Singapore.
The natural reservoir of monkeypox is unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates are thought to harbor the virus and infect people.
What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with muscle aches, exhaustion, fever, and headache.
The main difference between the symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes the lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy), while smallpox does not. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7 to 14 days, but can range from 5 to 21 days.
The disease begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pains
- Back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days (or more) after the first symptoms, the patient develops a rash, which often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The lesions progress through the following stages before fall down:
- Macules
- Papules
- vesicles
- Pustules
- Crusts
The duration of the disease is usually 2 to 4 weeks.
How is monkeypox spread?
Transmission of the monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if it is not visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Animal-to-human transmission can occur by bite or scratch, bushmeat preparation, direct contact with bodily fluids or injured material, or indirect contact with injured material, such as through contaminated bedding. Person-to-person transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few centimeters, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Other methods of person-to-person transmission include direct contact with injured material or body fluids, and indirect contact with injured material, such as through contaminated clothing or bedding.
The reservoir host, the main carrier of monkeypox disease, is still unknown, although African rodents are suspected to be involved in transmission. The virus that causes monkeypox has only been recovered (isolated) twice from an animal in the wild. In the first case (1985), the virus was recovered from an apparently sick African rodent (rope squirrel) in the Equateur Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the second (2012), the virus was recovered from a dead baby mangabey found in Tai National Park, Ivory Coast.
How is the transmission of monkeypox prevented?
Here are several measures you can take to prevent infection:
- Avoid contact with animals that may harbor the virus (alive or dead).
- Avoid contact with any material and tissue that has been in contact with a sick animal or person.
- Isolate infected patients.
- Practice good hand hygiene whenever possible.
- For specialists and healthcare professionals, use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Vaccination with JYNNEOSTM (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex).
What is the treatment for monkeypox?
Currently, there is no safe and proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection. However, the smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG) are being used to control the outbreak.