Monkeypox Virus | 5 Things You Should Know About MonkeyPox Outbreak

Summary

The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency due to surging cases and deaths, particularly in East and Central Africa. Monkeypox is a viral illness that causes symptoms like rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting 2 to 4 weeks. It spreads through close contact, contaminated materials, or from animals. The current outbreak, especially severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths. While serious, monkeypox is not as easily transmissible as COVID-19, and vaccines are available to help control its spread.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox (MPX) outbreak a global health emergency for the second time in two years.
• 🦠 Monkeypox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus, existing in two forms: Clade I and Clade II.
• 🤒 Common symptoms of monkeypox include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms last 2 to 4 weeks but can persist longer in some cases.
• 🧴 Monkeypox spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, body fluids, contaminated materials (e.g., clothes, bedsheets), or through animal-to-human transmission via hunting, skinning, or cooking.
• 👶 Pregnant women can transmit the monkeypox virus to their unborn babies.
• 🚨 WHO has issued its highest level of alert for monkeypox due to the rapid spread and severity of the current outbreak in East and Central Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• 📈 Since January 2023, the DRC has reported over 27,000 cases and 1,100 deaths, largely among children, making it Congo's worst monkeypox outbreak ever.
• 🧬 Two strains of the virus are currently circulating in the DRC: the endemic form and a new variant that is spreading faster and raising concerns.
• 🔬 Monkeypox does not spread as easily through the air as COVID-19, and experts believe that existing tools, such as vaccines and safe practices, can help control the outbreak.
• 📢 The main challenge is ensuring that these preventive tools reach those most in need in the affected regions, particularly in Congo and neighboring countries.

Q & A

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It exists in two forms, Clade I and Clade II.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Common symptoms of monkeypox include a rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash starts as flat sores that develop into blisters, which eventually crust over and fall off.

How long do monkeypox symptoms last?

The symptoms of monkeypox typically last 2 to 4 weeks, but in some cases, they can persist for longer.

How does monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person, including touch, body fluids, or contaminated materials like bed sheets and clothes. It can also be transmitted from animals to humans through hunting, skinning, or cooking.

Can pregnant women pass monkeypox to their babies?

Yes, pregnant women can pass monkeypox to their unborn babies.

Why did the WHO declare monkeypox a global health emergency?

The WHO declared monkeypox a global health emergency due to its rapid spread in several East and Central African countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A new variant of the virus, alongside the endemic strain, has caused a significant rise in cases and deaths.

What is the current situation regarding monkeypox in Congo?

Since January 2023, Congo has experienced its worst outbreak, with over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, primarily among children. Two strains of the virus are spreading, including the endemic strain and a new variant.

Does monkeypox spread through the air like COVID-19?

There is currently no proof that monkeypox spreads easily through the air like COVID-19. It mainly spreads through close contact.

What measures helped control the previous monkeypox outbreak?

The previous outbreak was controlled through behavior changes, safe sex practices, and vaccination.

What challenges exist in controlling the current monkeypox outbreak?

One of the biggest challenges in controlling the current outbreak is ensuring that tools such as vaccines and treatments reach those who need them in Congo and neighboring countries.