Monkeypox Virus Update- 2022, Need to Be afraid of ?
What is Monkeypox, Monkeypox Vaccine, Table, Major Symptoms, Signs, Incubation period, Period of infectivity, How dangerous It Is, Mode of transmission, What to do for prevention, Treatment, Vaccination for Monkeypox, Is smallpox vaccine effective, How to protect yourself, What to do if you experience any symptoms.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic viral infection that can spread from animals to humans and from person to person.
Monkeypox in India
- Delhi reported its first case of the monkeypox virus (July 24, 2022). Important to note that the patient has no history of travel abroad. It suggests local transmission of disease.
- Earlier, three cases of Kerala disease were found in people who arrived from the United Arab Emirates.
Delhi case
- A 31-year-old patient, a resident of Delhi, was admitted and recovered at the isolation ward of Lok Nayak Hospital. He had attended a Stag party in Himachal Pradesh recently.
How was the diagnosis confirmed?
- The diagnosis has been made by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune using PCR
What caused Monkeypox?
- Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
- It is a zoonotic viral infection that may spread from animals to humans.
- It also spreads from person to person.
Monkeypox virus is DNA Virus (unlike SarsCov-2 which is RNA Virus).
| Name of Disease and Virus | Monkeypox disease caused by Monkeypox Virus |
| What kind of Virus | DNA virus |
| Major Symptoms | Fever, Backache, Profound weakness, Rash |
| Signs | Swollen lymph nodes. This is followed or accompanied by the development of a rash which can last for two to three weeks. Vesicular Rash on Face, Palms and Soles |
| Incubation period | 6 to 13 days |
| Period of infectivity | 2 days prior to symptoms till all the lesions have healed (count 3 weeks). |
| Mode of transmission | Close contact and Sexual route is the most important route. Most cases in world have been seen in Gay Men, MSM community is most at risk. Other routes like mouth to mouth, Direct skin contact, fomites can be infective |
| How dangerous It Is | Most case are Mild, It resembles Chickenpox. Some cares it can be more serious |
| What to do for prevention | Vaccination |
| Treatment | Mostly Symptomatic – Antipyretics, Supportive treatment, hydration good diet, On lesions calamine lotion. Antiviral drugs like Tecovirimat, but to be reserved for immunocompromised and malnourished likely to have complications. |
| Vaccination for Monkeypox | JYNNEOS vaccine is available in limited stock. Only given to high risk population in USA |
| Is smallpox vaccine effective | Smallpox vaccine available is 85% effective |
| How to protect yourself | Frequent hand washing, Social distancing, Triple layer mask |
| What to do if you experience any symptoms | Isolation for 3 weeks, Avoid scratching of skin, Keep skin clean and uncovered, Clean with water and antiseptic, Warm bath, Salt water gargles for lesions in mouth |
| Update on Monkeypox in India | · Delhi reported its first case of the monkeypox virus, (July 24, 2022). Important to note that the patient doses do not have any history of travel abroad. It suggests local transmission of disease. · Earlier three cases of Kerala disease found in people —who arrived from the United Arab Emirates. |
Is it primarily transmitted from Monkeys?
- No. It was transmitted primarily from Rodents to Humans in Western African countries, mainly Nigeria and Congo.
- It’s called Monkeypox because it was first found in colonies of monkeys used for research in 1958 in Zaire (now Congo). It was later detected in humans in 1970.
Worldwide Spread
- Rodents got exported to the US, and there, the Virus jumped to Pierre’s dogs and then to humans.
The current pandemic is witnessing human-to-human transmission primarily through the sexual route. Mostly Gay men
Where do you get Monkeypox from? / How does Monkeypox spread?
- Close contact and Sexual route is the most important route. Most cases in the world have been seen in Gay Men, MSM community is most at risk.
- Other routes like a mouth to mouth, Direct skin contact, and fomites can be infective.
- Airborne droplet infections are being considered.
- Skin lesions, vesicular fluid, and scab scrapings are highly infectious.
Disease burden:
- In nearly 77 Countries, more than 16000 cases.
- Primarily Western Europe
How does Monkeypox affect the human body?
Monkeypox Complications can include secondary infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, cornea infection, and even vision loss.
What are the significant symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Fever
- Backache
- Profound weakness
- Rash
What are the signs of Monkeypox?
- Swollen lymph nodes. This is generally followed by developing a rash that lasts for two to three weeks. *Vascular Rash on Face, Palms, and Soles.
- Rash spares trunk.
- Symptoms typically last two to three weeks.
How long is the incubation period for Monkeypox?
- 6 to 13 days
Period of infectivity
- 2 days before symptoms till all the lesions have healed (count 3 weeks).
How Dangerous Is It?
- Most cases are Mild.
- It resembles Chicken Pox.
- In some cases, it can be more serious.
What to do for prevention?
- Vaccination – JYNNEOS vaccine is available in limited stock.
- WHO CAN TAKE THE MONKEYPOX VACCINE;-
Anyone above 18 years old who have close and prolonged contact with a person diagnosed with Monkeypox.
Also, you need to identify your sexual status – Gay, Bisexual, Transgender — people with high risk.
- The smallpox vaccine available is 85% effective vaccine only recommended in high-risk groups.
What is the treatment for Monkeypox? / Is Monkeypox curable?
Most cases of Monkeypox go away by themselves.
- Primarily Symptomatic – Antipyretics, Supportive treatment, hydration, good diet
- On lesions, calamine lotion
- Antiviral drugs like Tecovirimat, but to be reserved for immunocompromised and malnourished likely to have complications.
How to protect yourself?
- Frequent hand washing
- Social distancing
- Triple layer mask
What to do if you experience any symptoms?
- Isolation for 3 weeks
- Avoid scratching the skin.
- Keep skin clean and uncovered.
- Clean with water and antiseptic
- Warm bath
- Saltwater gargles for lesions in the mouth
Who can take monkeypox vaccine?
If you are notified , or in close contact with or in sexual relation with person who was recently diagnosed
OR
Identify as bisexual , gay or transgender, or men who have sex with other men.
OR
Have attended a event or venue where monkeypox virus spread or have close skin to skin contact.
Which company makes monkeypox vaccine?
Bavarian Nordic company
Is Smallpox vaccine effective?
Jynneos vaccine is known to have 85% of efficacy.
