Human mpox (previously known as monkeypox), a zoonotic disease originates from the mpox virus (MPXV). Monkeypox virus is an Orthopoxvirus, a genus that includes camelpox, cowpox, vaccinia, and vario MPXV is known to spread through close contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, infected fomites, and large respiratory droplets of infected people and animals.
Mpox Virus: Routes of Infection Explained
The natural hosts of the Mpox virus include some rodents and monkeys, in central Africa. Early human infections are typically related to contact with infected animals, including exposure to mucous membranes, body fluids, tissues, or use of undercooked meat. Transmission can also occur by scratches or bites from infected animals. Human-to-human transmission is believed to occur via direct contact with respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
Figure: Transmission routes of monkeypox:
Monkeypox Alert: Key Symptoms
Monkeypox causes symptoms which may begin within a week but may start in 1-21 days.
Symptoms of monkeypox:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes.
About 1 to 4 days after begin having a fever, a skin rash starts.
The monkeypox rash frequently first occurs on the face, hands or feet and then spreads to different parts of the body.
Complications of monkeypox:
- scars on the legs, face and arm
- Blindness.
- Other infections.
- Death, in rare cases.
Diagnosing Monkeypox: Key Methods and Procedures
The differential diagnosis of monkeypox includes other poxviruses herpesviruses and chickenpox. The clinical determination of monkeypox must be confirmed using laboratory methods, which nowadays only are available at state public health departments, where screening PCR is performed, and positive cases are forwarded to the CDC for certain clade verification.
Sample collection:
Samples for detection of monkeypox should be collected using a nylon, polyester, or Dacron swab and ideally acquired carried out by an open skin lesion. The swabbed specimen should be placed in a dry, sterile container as well as kept refrigerated or frozen until testing.
Monkeypox Management: Essential Therapies
Therapies for the management of monkeypox:
1. Tecovirimat
Dosing: Adults: 600 mg twice daily for 14 days; paediatrics (13 kg or more), if 13 kg to less than 25 kg: 200 mg BID for 14 days, if 25 kg to less than 40 kg: 400 mg two times daily for 14 days, if 40 kg or added: 600 mg twice daily for 14 days.
2. Brincidofovir
Dosing: Adults weighing ≥ 48 kg: 200 mg once weekly for two doses; adults and pediatric patients weighing ≥10 kg to less than 48 kg: 4 mg/kg of the oral suspension one time weekly for two doses; paediatrics weighing less than 10 kg, the dose is 6 mg/kg of the oral suspension once weekly for 2 doses.
3. Cidofovir
Dosing: 5 mg/kg once weekly for 2 weeks, followed by 5 mg/kg IV once every other week.
4. Vaccinia immune globulin
Dosing: 6000 U/kg as soon as symptoms occur; may repeated based on the seriousness of symptoms and acknowledgement of treatment; 9000 U/kg may be considered if the patient does not respond to the first dose.
Note: Please consult a doctor for appropriate guidance about treatment.
Preventing Monkeypox: Essential Tips
To prevent the spread of monkeypox:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid contact with infected people
- Avoid contact with infected animals
- Practice safe sex
- Get vaccinated
- Wear a mask
Global Monkeypox: Health Measures
Monkeypox’s spread over geographic areas can be tough to predict. The animal monkeypox virus circulates over endemic regions in Africa, creating serious health concerns for individuals living in those areas. This has also come up as a global health security issue, which needed proper and effective involvement. For prevention and timely implementation of public health measures, techniques such as active surveillance and contact tracing are essential. To stop the spread of mpox to others, persons with mpox should isolate themselves at home following advice from their health care source, or in hospital if required, for the duration of the infectious period.
