What is Monkeypox? In May 2022, new cases of a rare infection, typically found in parts of Africa, began spreading througout Europe and North America. Known as Monkeypox, this infection is a milder form of smallpox, and has seen a gradual increase in cases over the last decade. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. There are two known types of Monkeypox virus — one that originated in Central Africa and one that originated in West Africa. The current world outbreak (2022) is caused by the less severe West African type.
How common is monkeypox? Monkeypox has been rare. But the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that haven’t seen these infections before. Most individuals infected with Monkeypox pass the virus to between zero and one person, so outbreaks typically fizzle out. For this reason, the fact that outbreaks are occurring in several countries simultaneously is concerning for health authorities and organizations that monitor viral transmission. Experts are entertaining the possibility that the virus’ rate of transmission has increased. As of June 28, 2022, the U.S. had identified 306 cases in 27 states and the District of Columbia. There have been 69 confirmed cases in New York State, including one in Chemung County. More than 4700 cases have been found in more than 40 other countries outside Africa. There have been no U.S. deaths to date.
Who can get Monkeypox? Anyone can get Monkeypox. In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men, but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category.
How is Monkeypox transmitted? Person-to-person spread (transmission) occurs when you come into contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets, or oral fluids of an infected person usually through close, intimate situations like cuddling, kissing, or sex. You can also get Monkeypox by coming into contact with recently contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, and other linens used by an infected person or animal.
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox? After exposure, it may be several days to a few weeks before symptoms develop. Early signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. After a few days, a rash often develops. It starts as flat red bumps, sometimes painful, then turn into blisters filled with pus. Over the next two to four weeks the blisters crust and fall off. In the current outbreak, many cases are not following the usual pattern of symptoms. Monkeypox is generally not fatal.
How is Monkeypox diagnosed? Your healthcare provider can take a sample from an open sore and send it to a lab for testing. Also, a blood sample can be taken to check for the virus or the antibodies your immune system makes to it.
How is Monkeypox prevented? A two-dose vaccine, Jynneos, is approved for Monkeypox in the U.S. Currently over 9000 doses have been deployed, and more than 1 million doses will be available over the coming months. The government also has many more doses of an older smallpox vaccine – ACAM2000 – that could also be used but has a greater risk of side effects and is not recommended for people with HIV. Currently vaccines are recommended for those with close exposure to known cases, and high-risk persons such as men who have sex with men involving multiple or anonymous partners. Other than vaccines, simple hygienic and public health measures such as frequent handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, avoiding contact with people who may be infected, etc. are of course important.
Is there a specific treatment available for Monkeypox? Currently there is no antiviral treatment approved specifically for Monkeypox viral infections. Investigational antivirals with activity against Monkeypox are available, but only as part of a research study. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Following diagnosis, healthcare providers monitor the condition and try to relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, and administer antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if they develop.
Written by Wayne C. Teris, MD, CPE, FAAFP
Additional information about monkeypox?
- NY State Department of Health: https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/monkeypox/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
Disclaimer: The materials presented are purely educational and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. Each one of us is at varying degrees of risk and should consult with their own health care provider to receive appropriate medical advice or recommendations. The information included in this blog post was current as of June 30, 2022.