The World Health Organization declared monkeypox virus infection a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on July 23, 2022.
Photo: WHO
Monkeypox is a self-limited viral disease that is a close relative of the smallpox. It is transmitted from an infected animal or person through respiratory secretions, fluids from skin lesions, and materials contaminated with such (clothing, surfaces, utensils, etc.)
Incubation
The incubation period (the time interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) is usually from 6-13 days but can be as short as 5 days and as long as 21 days. You may be carrying it for up to 3 weeks without knowing that you have it. This makes tracing difficult.
Symptoms
The onset of symptoms and invasion period can last for up to 5 days and may include:
- Fever
- intense headache
- swelling of the lymph nodes
- back pain
- muscle aches
- exhaustion
Within 1-3 days after appearance of fever, rashes may start to appear. The rashes are mostly in the face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. They can also appear in the mouth area, the sex organs, and the eyes.
Infectious stage
A person with monkeypox infection is infectious from the day the symptoms start until all the rashes have fully healed (scabs have fallen off).
Clinical course
The clinical course of monkeypox infection ranges anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Isolation once symptoms start is key in containing the disease and stopping transmission.
Treatment
There is no proven effective treatment yet that is specific for monkeypox. However, since it’s closely related to smallpox, smallpox vaccines like Jynneos and the antiviral Tecovirimat (TPOXX) are recommended to be used for high-risk patients. Monkeypox is a self-limited viral infection. It will disappear eventually. Treatment is based on addressing the symptoms that appear.
Fatality rate
The death rate among people infected with monkeypox is 3-6%.
Consult your physician immediately if you have been exposed to a patient with monkeypox or are experiencing symptoms similar to monkeypox infection.
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