Monkeypox is a disease with symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, widespread body aches, swelling in the lymph nodes and skin lesions (rash), and that the disease is transmitted either from animal to human or through face-to-face, long-term and close contact with infected people.
Stating that there is no vaccine against monkeypox, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialists shared important information:
Smallpox vaccines, which were administered until smallpox was eradicated (completely eradicating the disease along with its causative agent), also provide protection against monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans caused by the monkeypox virus. It is transmitted from infected animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with body fluids such as blood or flesh. The virus can enter healthy people through invisible cracks/scratches on the skin, mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) or the respiratory system. Another way of transmission is face-to-face, long-term and close contact with infected people. In addition, it is transmitted indirectly as a result of contact with items such as clothes, towels and sheets contaminated with the virus. [1]
Lesions can be detected in the genital area and eyes
Monkeypox is a disease characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, widespread body aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin lesions (rash). Skin rashes appear within 1 to 3 days after the fever begins and appear on the face, arms and legs rather than the trunk. Lesions can be detected on the palms and soles of the feet, in the mouth, in the genital area and in the eyes. Lymph node swelling is the most important symptom of monkeypox that distinguishes it from smallpox, chickenpox and measles.[2]
Complaints appear on average 6-13 days after contact with the virus. In the first week, there is fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain and extreme weakness. Skin rashes also begin within 1-3 days after the fever begins. Lesions that may appear on the palms, feet, mouth, genital area and eyes heal by crusting in two weeks at the latest[3].
What are the treatment options?
Experts note that in cases where monkeypox disease is suspected, people with symptoms should be questioned whether they have traveled to risky areas in the last month or whether they have had close contact with people with similar symptoms. They state that in case of suspicion of the disease, the guidelines published by the health authorities of the countries should be followed.
Some developed antivirals may be effective in monkeypox, although they are not certain. For monkeypox, clinical care and supportive treatment should be given to relieve symptoms, manage complications, and prevent long-term sequelae. Secondary bacterial infections should be treated specifically and appropriately.
The first case was seen in 1970
After being detected in monkeys in 1958, the first case in humans was seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. The disease is occasionally carried from the African continent to other continents through infected animals or people, where a small number of people were affected and there were regional clusters of cases, but it attracted attention when it started to be seen in different countries around the world as of 2022.
In countries where the disease is seen, it is necessary to avoid risky behaviors in terms of transmission. Those who have been in contact with animals or people with confirmed monkeypox are monitored for signs and symptoms for 21 days after the last contact.
Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?
Smallpox vaccines, which were administered until smallpox was eradicated (completely eradicating the disease along with its causative agent), also provide protection against monkeypox. Smallpox vaccination was routinely administered in our country until 1980. People born before 1980 are protected to a certain extent against monkeypox if they have smallpox vaccination.
Experts also stated that secondary skin infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis and corneal infection resulting in vision loss have been reported as complications of monkeypox, and stated that there is no information yet on long-term complications and that they continue to be monitored.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP). Mpox signs and symptoms. Last Reviewed: August 31, 2023
- World Health Organization (WHO). Mpox (monkeypox) 11 December 2023 | Q&A
- Bjekic M, Markovic M, Dejanovic L. Genital rash as an initial presentation of monkeypox. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 Jan-Feb;98(1):114-115. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.09.001. Epub 2022 Nov 11. PMID: 36376116; PMCID: PMC9650969.