All About Monkeypox: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Monkeypox has gained global attention in the recent years with surge in cases around the world. This viral zoonotic disease is primarily seen in Central and West Africa but has now emerged in non-endemic regions like India. This article is all about monkeypox, the causes, symptoms, and the treatment. Let’s start!

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is known to be caused by the monkeypox virus (member of Orthopoxvirus genus which also includes variola virus responsible for smallpox). Monkeypox is considered less severe and contagious as compared to small pox but still it remains a serious health concern for all. It was first discovered in the year 1958 in monkey from where it got its name monkeypox. The first human case came into light in the year 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are two different strains of this disease, one is the Central African or Congo Basin Strain which is severe, the other is the West African strain.

Monkeypox in India

The cases of monkeypox came into light in India during the 2022 global outbreak. The government has taken stringent monitoring and isolation measures for controlling the spread of this disease. Several cases have been noted mainly comprising the traveling returning from the affected regions.

The Indian healthcare system is well-equipped to manage outbreaks and handle the emergencies as monkeypox brings with it new challenges. Rungta Hospital in Jaipur has the best medical staff who is well prepared to timely diagnose any symptoms of this disease and take the necessary steps to stop the transmission further.

Causes of Monkeypox

Let’s read what are the causes of Monkeypox.

Zoonotic Transmission (Animal to Human):
In this type of transmission, monkeypox is transmitted to humans directly from animals. This spread can be from rodents, monkeys, or other mammals. Any direct contact with the infected animals’ blood, body fluid or skin lesions can lead to this transmission. Consumption of undercooked meat or handling infected animals can also cause risk.
Human-to-Human Transmission:
This type of transmission happens through the close contact with the infected person’s skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and body fluids. The transmission can further be caused by coming in contact with the contaminated clothing, bedding or surfaces. Although monkeypox is not as highly transmissible as COVID-19 but it can still spread through direct face contact, intimate interactions or sharing items with the infected person.
International Travel:
The reported cases in 2022 were primarily linked to the international travelers and the reason behind it reaching non-endemic region like India, is global mobility.
Decline in Smallpox Vaccination:
Another cause of Monkeypox maybe the cessation of smallpox vaccination after its eradication in the 1980s leading to rise in its cases globally. This vaccination provides partial protection against the monkeypox, with fewer people vaccinated, the cases have increased more.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

The symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to smallpox but comparatively less severe. These symptoms generally appear within 5 to 21 days of exposure to the infection and can last from 2 to 4 weeks.

Key Symptoms During Different Phases:

1. Initial Phase (1–5 days)

Fever or sudden rise in body temperature may be experienced as an early sign.
Severe headaches along with fever are very common.
Myalgia or muscle pain in addition to backache may happen to patients.
Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes in areas like neck, groin and armpits.
Patients may feel weakness during the early phase of this disease.

2. Eruptive Phase (2–3 days after fever)

The patient might begin to get rashes on face which start spreading to the other part of the body comprising palms and soles. Rashes begin as flat lesions to raised lesions which over time become fluid-filled and turn into pus-filled lesions which eventually fall off. These rashes are contagious and may spread the virus easily via direct contact.

3. Other Symptoms:

The patient might get soar throat, cough and difficulty in breathing in severe cases.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea may also occur.
Inflammation of the eye or conjunctivitis may happen.

Complications:

In severe cases, the patient may face complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), sepsis, bacterial infections and eye infection leading to vision loss. Young children, pregnant women, and Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of getting severe infection.

Diagnosis of Monkeypox

Diagnosis of Monkeypox normally involves clinical evaluation, laboratory test, and history checking. A thorough examination of symptoms generally involves checking the characteristics of rashes, and lymphadenopathy. PCR or Polymerase chain reaction includes testing rash samples, lesion fluid and respiratory samples. The other way to find out involves checking the travel history and exposure to animals or infected individuals.

Treatment of Monkeypox

Please note that there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, however, the condition is self-limiting and the patient generally recover with proper care. To help better, several treatment plans are used considering the severity of symptoms.

1. Supportive Care:

Supportive care comprises of proper hydration, rest, and pain relievers such as analgesics and antipyretics for treating fever, headaches and body aches.
Skin care methods for preventing and managing secondary infections which include keeping the skin dry.

2. Antiviral Medications:

Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an antiviral for smallpox which has shown efficacy in the treatment of monkeypox.
Cidofovir and Brincidofovir are antivirals that may be used in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients.

3. Vaccination:

The smallpox vaccine provide protection to some extent against the monkeypox and may be used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 4 days of exposure to infection.
Close contacts and healthcare providers in contact of confirmed cases are recommended vaccine to prevent transmission.

4. Quarantine and Isolation:

The patients suffering from monkeypox must be isolated to prevent further spread of the virus. The isolation time lasts till the scabs fall off and new skin forms.
The close contacts of the confirmed cases must be monitored for around 21 days.

5. Monitoring and Follow-up:
The patients at high risk or severe cases must be monitored closely for complications and must be hospitalized in case the condition worsens.

Monkeypox is a new concern in India which is likely to pose significant health challenge. Proper understanding of its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention can help in stopping its outbreak. Rungta Hospital team specialized in early diagnosis of such diseases and providing required care and treatment to the patients. It is necessary that people have proper awareness about Monkeypox, are vaccinated, and travel with precaution. In case of any doubt, immediately reach out to our expert team at Rungta Hospital.