The Monkeypox: What to Know

by Chimereuche Amaechi

In the recent times, there has been an increase In the number of monkeypox cases globally. According to WHO (World Health Organization), There are over 35000 cases with 12 deaths across 92 countries. In Nigeria, the number of cases has risen to over 172 cases across 27 states in the country.

Monkey pox has symptoms which are similar to that of small pox although clinically, the symptoms are less severe.

It is a viral zoonotic disease. That is, the virus is transmitted from animals to humans. Central and West Africa are the primary places where monkey pox occurs.

In 1970, the first case of human case of monkey pox was discovered. Though monkeypox cases has been mostly in the Central and West African countries, there are also reported cases outside these countries and they are mostly associated with those who travelled to countries where this disease occur or through animals that have been imported.

The exact reservoir(s) of the monkey pox virus is yet to be identified. Although various animal species including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, dormice, Gambian pouched rats, non-human pirates have been identified as being susceptible to monkey pox.

How Monkeypox Spreads

From the time the symptoms start to the time the rashes are healed and a fresh layer of skin grows, an individual is said to be contagious, that is, he can spread the disease to another.

Monkey pox is a self-limiting disease with symptoms resolving in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Children are the most affected and the duration of infection is dependent on exposure to the virus, health status of the patient and nature of complication. In the past, smallpox vaccination conferred protection against monkey pox but with the eradication of smallpox, people who didn’t get the smallpox vaccine are more at risk of getting the virus.

The case fatality ratio of monkeypox has historically ranged from 0 to 11 % in the general population and has been higher among young children. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%.

Monkeypox can be gotten through close, personal or intimate contact of infected persons. This is mostly through skin to skin contact and others include the following:

• When you touch fabrics or objects including sex toys and surfaces used by someone who has been infected by monkeypox.
• Direct contact with the fluid, rash or scabs of someone who is infected by the virus.
• Close Contact with respiratory secretions of someone who is infected. Prolonged face to face contact is required for transmission via respiratory droplets.
• Through sexual contact weather oral, anal or vaginal sex or touching the genital parts of one who is infected
• Face to face contact that is prolonged
• Hugging, massaging or kissing.

Transmission from animal to human can occur when;

• humans come in contact with the bodily fluids, blood or lesions whether cutaneous or mucosal of animals that are infected.
• eating meat of infected animals that are not adequately cooked.

•  Transmission is possible when there is a close contact during and after birth or even from a mother to the fetus through the placenta.

Symptoms to Look Out for

Rashes can be seen on or close to anus or genital (penis, testicles, labia and vagina) and also on other areas like the chest, feet, hands or mouth. Initially the rash will look like a blister or pimples which may be itchy or painful.

Before healing the rash will go through some stages including scabs.

Other symptoms include: chills, fever, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, back and muscle aches, headaches and respiratory symptoms.

For some persons, all symptoms will be experienced, for others, probably a rash before other symptoms, or the other way round or just a rash.

Within three weeks of exposure to the virus, the infected person begins to manifest some symptoms.

Usually 3 to 4 days after infected, flu like symptoms and rashes will appear.

Treatment of Monkeypox

Treatment should be aimed at reducing the symptoms, preventing complications and preventing long term sequelae.

To maintain nutritional status of the patients, foods and fluids should be given to the patients.

Treat secondary bacterial if there is any indication for that. Tecovirimat, an antiviral agent developed for smallpox, has been recommended for use for the treatment of monkeypox based on data in human and animal studies by European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2022

Preventive Measures

Preventing yourself from contracting the monkeypox is possible. Simply following proven guidelines will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe.

• Avoid close contact with a suspected person with monkeypox including not touching the scab or the rash.
• Don’t have sex, kiss, hug or cuddle someone with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, an alcohol based one before touching your face or eating and after the use of the bathroom.
• Don’t share cups or eating utensils with an infected person.
• Avoid touching or handling or sharing the towels, bedding or clothing of an infected monkeypox case.
• Ensure to properly cook your meat before eating.

(info@diamondbead.com.ng)

Chimereuche Amaechi is a pharmacist and public health professional with several years of experience.