WHO declares Monkeypox outbreak, here is what we know

The World Health Organisation has declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This means that the virus has now the potential to grow out of control – if not carefully managed. The disease is said to be less severe than Covid-19, with milder smallpox symptoms, and rarely fatal. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Before the 2022 outbreak, almost all cases of the virus outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease is common.

The WHO shares a list of symptoms:

fever
swollen lymph nodes
exhaustion
muscle aches
a rash that can look like pimples or blisters appearing on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body

How is monkeypox transmitted:

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease (transmitted between species, animals to humans or vice versa), but the person-to-person transmission of the virus caused a spike in cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the disease can spread in more than one way:

direct contact with the infectious rash or body fluids
touching items that made contact with the rash or body fluids
respiratory secretions during prolonged intimate physical contact (kissing, hugging, sex)
pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

“Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids,” said the CDC.

Although the recent outbreak has seen the disease mostly transmitted by men who have sex with other men, monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Research continues to determine if it can be found in semen, vaginal fluids or faeces. However, sexually active partners should be open about their potential exposure to the virus.

How is it prevented:

Monkeypox is largely spread through close contact with infected people. The CDC suggests taking the following precautions:

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that resembles monkeypox. Do not touch their rash or scabs. Do not kiss, cuddle or have sex with an infected person. Do not share eating utensils with a person with monkeypox.
Wash your hands often
Do not handle the towels, bedding or clothing of an infected person
In central and west Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread the disease (rodents and primates)
Make sure your spaces have good ventilation

What should you do if you contract the virus:

Whether you are experiencing the symptoms of come into contact with a carrier, first you must isolate yourself. Then, reach out to your health care provider, who will determine if you need to be tested. The WHO says that the virus should clear up on its own in two to four weeks, without treatment. If you share a living space with others, try your best to isolate yourself from them. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming which would disturb virus particles – leading to further infections.

Is there any treatment available:

Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, is causes fever, muscle aches and fatigue. And causes lesions on the skin. Currently, there is no monkeypox-specific vaccine, however there are treatments available. This includes the smallpox vaccine. The CDC recommends those who have not had a smallpox vaccine in three years to get the jab. The side effects of the vaccine may include a fever, tiredness and swollen glands.

The World Health Organisation’s step to declare monkeypox as an international health emergency will shoft how officials manage their response to the disease outbreak. And while it does not spread as easily as Covid-19, the risk remains as it continues to spread beyond its endemic borders.