Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It leads to rash and flu-like symptoms. Like the better-known virus that causes smallpox, it is a member of the family called orthopoxvirus.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. It’s spread mainly through human contact with infected rodents, but can sometimes be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. There are two known types (clades) of monkeypox virus — one that originated in Central Africa and one that originated in West Africa. The current world outbreak (2022) is caused by the less severe West African clade.
Most likely, almost all ages people have a chance of getting affected by monkeypox. In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have intimate relationships with men, but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category.
How do we catch Monkeypox:
Monkeypox is spread when you come into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus. Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, like from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids or pox lesions (sores).
Monkeypox can spread from person to person, but it’s less common. Person-to-person, spread (transmission) occurs when you come in contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of an infected person, usually through close, intimate situations like cuddling, kissing or intimate relationships. Research is ongoing, but researchers aren’t sure if the virus is transmitted through semen.
You can also get monkeypox by coming into contact with recently contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, and other linens used by an infected person or animal.
How can Monkeypox be diagnosed?
Because monkeypox is rare, your healthcare provider may first suspect other rash illnesses, such as measles or chickenpox. But swollen lymph nodes usually distinguish monkeypox from other poxes.
To diagnose monkeypox, your healthcare provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). Then they send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). You may also need to give a blood sample to check for the monkeypox virus or antibodies your immune system makes to it.
Can Monkeypox be cured?
Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Most people with monkeypox get better on their own without treatment. Following diagnosis, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and try to relieve your symptoms, prevent dehydration and give you antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if they develop.
There’s currently not an approved antiviral treatment for monkeypox. Antiviral drugs may help, but they haven’t been studied as a treatment for monkeypox. Several investigational antivirals with activity against monkeypox are available, but only as part of a research study.
How to take care of myself?
If you have monkeypox symptoms, there are over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better, including:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can help you feel better.
- Oatmeal baths. Soaking in a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal can relieve the dry, itchy feeling that comes with skin rashes.
- Isolate yourself if you’re infected. Avoid contact with others until all your lesions have scabbed.
- Cover single or local lesions. Use gauze or bandages to limit spread to others and the environment.
- Take good care. It’s important to stay home and rest when you’re sick, wear a mask around others and drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid contact with pets (especially rodents).
Should I see my healthcare provider at times when?
Call your healthcare provider if you:
- Feel sick with fever, aches or swollen lymph nodes.
- Have a new rash or sores.
- Have been in close contact with an infected person.
When should I go to the ER?
Seek medical care if you develop the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing.
- New or worsening chest pain.
- Stiff neck.
- Are confused or can’t think clearly.
- Difficulty speaking or moving.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
Preventions for Monkeypox:
A smallpox vaccine protects monkeypox, but its use is currently limited to clinical trials. Prevention depends on decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. The best way to help prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus is to:
- Avoid contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals).
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Practice safe intimate relationships, including the use of condoms and dental dams.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
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