DEADLY MONKEYPOX AND PUBLIC HEALTH: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

 Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It leads to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

Anyone can contract mpox. It spreads through:

- Contact with infected individuals, including through touch, kissing, or sexual activity

- Handling animals, such as during hunting, skinning, or cooking

- Exposure to contaminated materials, such as sheets, clothing, or needles

- Pregnant individuals, who can transmit the virus to their unborn child

If you have mpox:

- Inform anyone you've recently been in close contact with

- Remain at home until all scabs have healed and new skin has formed

- Cover lesions and use a well-fitting mask around others

- Avoid physical contact

The monkeypox virus, or MPXV, is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus in the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which includes viruses like variola and cowpox. There are two genetic clades: clade I and clade II.

Discovered in 1958 in Denmark in monkeys used for research, the first human case was reported in a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Mpox spread became more common in Africa after the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccinations. A global outbreak occurred between 2022 and 2023. The natural reservoir of the virus remains unknown, though various small mammals, including squirrels and monkeys, are susceptible.

Mpox Overview

Causes and Virus:

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. The virus exists in two clades: Clade I and Clade II.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms include:

- Rash (starts as flat sores, becomes blisters, then crusts over)

- Fever

- Headache

- Muscle aches

- Back pain

- Low energy

- Swollen lymph nodes

The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including palms, soles, face, mouth, groin, and genital areas. The disease typically lasts 2–4 weeks but may last longer in immunocompromised individuals.

Transmission:

Mpox spreads through:

- Direct contact with infected lesions or bodily fluids

- Physical contact with contaminated objects

- Animal bites or scratches

- Respiratory droplets from prolonged close contact

Diagnosis:  

Mpox is confirmed via PCR testing of skin lesions or, if lesions are absent, swabs from oropharyngeal, anal, or rectal areas. Blood testing is not recommended.

Treatment and Prevention: 

Treatment is supportive. Vaccines used for smallpox may offer protection. Antivirals like tecovirimat are also used. Vaccination should occur within 4 days of exposure (up to 14 days if symptoms are absent). 

Self-Care:  

- Isolate until lesions heal

- Cover lesions and wear a mask around others

- Maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching lesions

Outbreaks:

Mpox outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa and have recently expanded globally. The 2022–2023 outbreak, primarily caused by Clade IIb, affected many countries, particularly through sexual networks.