Marina Demidiuk/iStock or Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
The first case of monkeypox in the Philippines was reported today, July 29. The patient is a 31-year-old Filipino who arrived in the country last July 19. It is an emerging global health emergency and here’s what you need to know about the disease:
SYMPTOMS
Monkeypox is a virus with symptoms similar to smallpox. It presents with fever, extensive rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.
The incubation period of monkeypox lasts from 5 to 21 days. Afterward, the febrile stage occurs with the following symptoms:
Fever
Intense headaches
Lymphadenopathy or swollen and painful lymph nodes
Back pain
Myalgia or muscle pain
Intense asthenia or lack of energy
The final stage is the skin eruption stage, which includes the formation of rashes or flat lesions on the skin (macules). These turn into firm painful lesions (papules), clear fluid-filled lesions (vesicles), pus-filled blisters (pustules), and scabs or crusts, consecutively.
The disease lasts for 2 to 4 weeks and is contagious from the onset of symptoms to the time the rashes have healed and new skin has been formed.
(L) NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network; (R) Berkey Ataseven/Shutterstock or News Medical & Life Sciences
TRANSMISSION
Monkeypox is usually spread through animal-to-human contact in Africa, such as through infected wild animals like rodents. However, with the recent outbreak, human-to-human transmission has occurred, mostly through intimate physical contact.
Passing the virus to others can happen through:
Direct contact with the rash, scab, or bodily fluids
Respiratory droplets through prolonged face-to-face contact
Physical or intimate contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
Touching objects previously in contact with infectious rashes or bodily fluids such as bed linens, clothes, or by sharing toothbrushes
Mothers spreading the virus to the fetus via the placenta
DIAGNOSIS
Detection of the virus through RT-PCR is the preferred method of diagnosis. A biopsy can also be done.
(L) BBC News; (R) Wisconsin Department of Health Services
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment geared towards monkeypox. Thus, supportive treatment is provided to patients. However, since smallpox and monkeypox are genetically similar, antivirals or vaccines for smallpox can be used for monkeypox infections. The antiviral Tecovirimat can be given to those who are immunocompromised.
Priority is placed on the prevention of transmission in communities.
PREVENTION
To help prevent the spread of monkeypox, you can:
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others who have rashes similar to monkeypox
Avoid touching the rashes or scabs of someone who has monkeypox
Avoid kissing, hugging, cuddling, and having sex with someone who has monkeypox
Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, and cups with someone who has monkeypox
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rub or sanitizer
If you suspect that you are sick with monkeypox:
Remain isolated when you have a fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, congestion, or sore throat
Wear a well-fitting mask
Cover the lesions or rashes
Avoid public transportation or crowds
Do not share items with others
Wash objects or disinfect surfaces that have been touched by a rash or lesion
Wash your hands often
SOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 11). Prevention. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 26). Isolation and prevention practices for people with monkeypox. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/isolation-procedures.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 28). 2022 U.S monkeypox outbreak. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 24). How it spreads. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/transmission.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 17). Treatment. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/treatment.html
NBC Chicago. (2022, July 27). How is monkeypox transmitted? Here’s how and where the virus is spreading. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/how-is-monkeypox-transmitted-heres-how-and-where-the-virus-is-spreading/2899765/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Monkeypox. World Health Organization. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox#tab=tab_1
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Monkeypox. World Health Organization. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox#tab=tab_2
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Monkeypox. World Health Organization. Retrieved July 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox#tab=tab_3
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