What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It causes a similar (though usually less severe) illness and is most common in central and western Africa. It was first discovered in research monkeys more than half a century ago. Certain squirrels and rats found in Africa are among other animals that harbor this virus.
Currently, an outbreak is spreading fast outside of Africa. The virus has been reported in at least a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, Israel, and in Europe. As of this writing, Reuters reports more than 100 confirmed or suspected cases, making this the largest known outbreak outside of Africa. So far, no deaths have been reported.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The early symptoms of monkeypox are flulike, and include
- fever
- fatigue
- headache
- enlarged lymph nodes.
The rash that appears a few days later is unique. It often starts on the face and then appears on the palms, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Some recent cases began with a rash on the genitals. Over a week or two, the rash changes from small, flat spots to tiny blisters (vesicles) similar to chickenpox, and then to larger, pus-filled blisters. These can take several weeks to scab over. Once that happens, the person is no longer contagious.
Although the disease is usually mild, complications can include pneumonia, vision loss due to eye infection, and sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
How does a person get monkeypox?
Typically, this illness occurs in people who have had contact with infected animals. It may follow a bite or scratch, or consuming undercooked animal meat.
The virus can spread between people in three ways:
- inhaling respiratory droplets
- directly touching an infected person
- less often, through indirect contact such as handling an infected person’s clothing.
The respiratory route involves large droplets that don’t linger in the air or travel far. As a result, person-to-person spread typically requires prolonged, intimate contact.
Can monkeypox be treated?
Yes. Although there are no specific, FDA-approved treatments for monkeypox, several antiviral medicines may be effective. Examples are cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat.
Can monkeypox be prevented?
Vaccination can help prevent this illness:
Smallpox vaccination, which was routine in the US until the 1970s, may be up to 85% effective against monkeypox.. The US government has stockpiled doses of smallpox vaccine that could be used in the event of a widespread outbreak.
Additionally, the FDA approved a vaccine (called JYNNEOS) in 2019 for people over 18 who are at high risk for smallpox or monkeypox. The makers of this vaccine are ramping up production as this outbreak unfolds.
If you are caring for someone who has monkeypox, taking these steps may help protect you from the virus: wear a mask and gloves; regularly wash your hands; and practice physical distancing when possible. Ideally, a caregiver should be previously vaccinated against smallpox.
How sick are most people who get monkeypox?
Monkeypox is usually a mild illness that gets better on its own over a number of weeks.
Researchers have found that the West African strain of monkeypox is responsible for the current outbreak. That’s good news, because the death rate from this strain is much lower than the Congo Basin strain (about 1% to 3% versus 10%). More severe illness may occur in children, pregnant people, or people with immune suppression.
What else is unusual about this outbreak?
Many of those who are sick have not traveled to or from places where this virus is usually found, and have had no known contact with infected animals. In addition, there seems to be more person-to-person spread than in past outbreaks
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