Monkeypox Virus

 

Monkeypox Virus

“A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus”.

Monkeypox virus is spreading all across the world wide?

 It has been reported from several countries including United States, United Kingdom, Canada and many more. Most of the cases are from United Kingdom and Portugal.

Why it is known as monkeypox?

Monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 from “Lab Monkeys in Denmark” from them it is called as a monkey box. The first case of human was discovered in Congo in 1970. And from them, there are many other cases which are reported worldwide.

Structure of monkeypox?

This virus is an envelope double-stranded DNA virus. It belongs to the family of pox verify, that means it’s a close cousin of chickenpox and smallpox virus.

 

Transmission of monkey pox?

Now let’s see how this virus can be transmitted. It can be transmitted from animals like monkeys, squirrels, dormouse or Gambian boat rat to human via scratches, bites or consuming bush meats of these particular animals. The natural reservoir of a monkey pox has not yet been identified but it is thought that rodents could be the most likely reservoir for this particular virus.

 This virus can spread when you touch body fluids of infected animal or you get scratched by infected animals. This virus can enter in to screen through this kind of cuts or secretions. Human to human transmission occurs when you have droplet, so respiratory droplet is the source key of infection other than that body fluids or contaminated objects can also lead to transmission of these viruses.

 

 

Monkeypox effect Pregnancy?

This particular virus can transmitted from mother to the fetus by crossing placenta and can lead to congenital monkeypox . And it also effect newborn during close contact during and after delivery.

Monkeypox transmitted sexually?

It is unclear at this moment but it can be transmitted sexually because it spread from body fluids. Still studies are needed to better understand this risk.  

Anyone can get monkeypox, but CDC warns LGBTQ community about greater chance of exposure now.

Symptoms of monkey pox?

Let’s talk about the symptoms of monkey pox 0 to 5 days. So first fever, severe headache and characteristics features of lymphadenopathy that means swelling of your lymph nodes. It is not found in chickenpox or Smallpox infection. Now other than that there could be lack of energy back pain, leg pain which are most common. Rashes appear after one to 3 days of fever and most of the rashes are found on faces and another extremities like sole of your feet and palm of your hand. In many cases rashes are also visible in oral mucosa and in rare cases in genitalia.

 How long does monkeypox last?

This disease last in most common cases, the disease would last for 2 to 4 weeks. But in severe cases it might last for several months. If you are immunocompromised individual the outcome might be worse.

Monkeypox virus diagnosis?

 It can be diagnosed by looking at the clinical symptoms such as a rashes but these are not definitive features of this disease. It can be common between monkeypox virus from other type of pox as well. But lymphadenopathy (during the prodromal stage) is the particular diagnostic feature of this disease. Other diagnosis can be done using RT-PCR, just like using this for Covid-19.

Vaccination of monkeypox?

Now there are no current vaccine for this particular virus. But vaccination against small pox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. 

So in 2019 CDC has given permission for a new vaccine which is basically a modified attenuated vaccine against Ankara strain of vacciona virus. So this can be used to prevent the spread of a monkey pox.

Treatment of monkeypox?

Monkey pox treatment options involve:

Taking antipyretics reducing fever, analgesic for pain relief and you can take enough amount of fluids if you are not dehydrated. Adequate rest is mandatory.

But in case of severe infection CDC provide antiviral medication and immunoglobulin for treatment.

Prevention of monkeypox?

 Anyway prevention is better than cure. Monkeypox virus prevention can be done by reducing the risk of contact  especially in developing countries. And it is possible because it is more visible. And the individual cane be isolated easily and it is unlike covid.

So animal to human transmission can be reduced by reducing zoonotic contact. Monkeypox can be prevented through restrictions on animal trading.