MPOX 1.2

Summary

The video script discusses diagnosing monkeypox (MPOX) infection, emphasizing PCR as the preferred test using skin lesion samples. It covers specimen collection, clinical signs, and the importance of isolation and PPE. The presentation also addresses treatment, mainly supportive, and highlights the role of vaccines, which are currently limited but effective in preventing the disease. The speaker stresses the unpredictability of infectious diseases and the importance of community awareness and health worker training for early detection and response.

Takeaways

• 🧬 PCR is the preferred laboratory test for diagnosing monkeypox, with skin lesion material being the optimal specimen type.
• 🔬 Clinical signs and symptoms are crucial for initial diagnosis, and familiarity with the cases is necessary for proper laboratory procedures.
• 🏥 Healthcare facilities should prepare by identifying isolation areas and establishing processes for referral and testing of suspected cases.
• 📋 The Impacts Investigation Form (CIF) is essential for institutional preparedness and should be filled out for suspected cases.
• 🛡️ Infection prevention and control measures, including the use of PPE and observing infection control precautions, are vital for managing suspected cases.
• 🏠 Home isolation may be appropriate for some cases, with specific guidelines to prevent transmission within households.
• 💊 Treatment for monkeypox is mainly supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms, and there are no locally approved antiviral treatments as of the time of the presentation.
• 🧪 Surveillance and response units play a critical role in coordinating testing and managing suspected cases.
• 🛂 Vaccines against monkeypox are available but may be difficult to procure, with past smallpox vaccination showing about 85% effectiveness against monkeypox.
• 📈 The presentation emphasizes the importance of a coordinated response, including community awareness, detection capacity, and preparedness for handling cases.
• 📚 The speaker highlights the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in medical practice.

Q & A

What is the preferred laboratory test for diagnosing monkeypox or MBOX infection?

The preferred laboratory test for diagnosing monkeypox or MBOX infection is PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which has become widely familiar due to its use during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What are the recommended specimen types for testing MPOX?

The recommended specimen types for MPOX testing are skin lesion material, fluid from vesicles and pustules, and dry crusts. A swab from any visible lesion on the body is acceptable for testing.

What is the role of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit (IPCU) in handling suspected monkeypox cases?

The IPCU should coordinate with local health departments or regional epidemiology and surveillance units to determine procedures to be followed if a monkeypox case is identified in the facility. They are also responsible for ensuring proper isolation and infection control measures are in place.

What should healthcare facilities do to prepare for suspected monkeypox cases?

Healthcare facilities should identify an isolation area for suspected monkeypox cases, establish a process flow for referral of suspected cases for testing or transfer to designated centers, and have a process in place for coordination with local health authorities.

What is the primary mode of transmission for monkeypox?

The primary mode of transmission for monkeypox is through direct skin-to-skin contact, but it can also occur through indirect contact with contaminated objects or respiratory droplets.

How is monkeypox typically treated?

Monkeypox treatment is mainly supportive and directed at relieving symptoms such as fever and body aches. There are currently no antiviral or immune globulin treatments locally approved for the treatment of monkeypox.

Are there any vaccines available for monkeypox?

Vaccines against monkeypox are difficult to procure, but past vaccination against smallpox has been demonstrated to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. There are newer vaccines that were approved in 2019, but they are not widely available.

What are the stages of monkeypox infection?

The stages of monkeypox infection include the incubation period, prodromal period with symptoms like fever and headache, the rash stage, and the scab stage. A person is contagious until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.

What are the complications that can arise from monkeypox infection?

Complications from monkeypox can include bacterial infections of the skin, diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration, abscesses, respiratory complications like bronchial pneumonia, encephalitis, and sepsis, which can be fatal for immunocompromised individuals.

How can monkeypox be prevented?

Prevention measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or animals, practicing good hand hygiene, covering draining or weeping lesions, and separating eating utensils. Vaccination may also be a preventive measure if vaccines are available.

What is the mortality rate for monkeypox?

The mortality rate for monkeypox is between 1 to 10%, depending on factors such as health status, comorbidities, vaccination status, and the presence of complications.