Table of Contents
M Pox (Monkey Pox)
Monkey Pox
What is Mpox?
The monkey pox is the rare disease that is caused by a very tiny germs, which is called monkey pox virus. It belongs to group of closely related viruses called orthopox virus. The other virus in this group that can infect the humans Include, the variola virus which causes smallpox. Also, the cowpox virus and vaccinia. Monkey pox is an zoonotic disease. This mean, it can spread from non human animals to people. Monkey pox is the viral disease causes by the monkey pox virus.
History of Mpox:
Monkey pox (Mpox) disease was first discovered in a laboratory in 1958 while researching monkeys. At that time this disease was only in Central and West Africa. At that time the disease was first observed in a monkey.
While the first human case of monkeypox virus was reported in Democratic Congo in 1970. This first human case occurred in a child. This case was the beginning of the spread of this disease in the human population. Mpox first affected people living in remote areas of central and western Africa.
But over time, after the 1970s, monkeypox began to spread rapidly in other regions such as the Nigerian Cameroons and the Central Republic. At that time this disease was not considered very dangerous. This is because the disease was in remote areas and rural areas where human contact with infected wild animals was common. It was generally believed that the disease was transmitted to humans by animals living in forests.
In the 1980s, the World Health Organization provided vaccines and partial protection against monkey pox and declared its eradication.
WHO
In 2022, a monkeypox outbreak spread across the globe and gained global attention. In May 2022, cases of monkeypox were reported in several countries in Europe and North America. These cases occurred in people who had no connection to Central and West Africa where monkey pox was common or to areas where mpox cases had been reported.
Transmission of Mpox:
It is very important to know this to prevent and control monkey
pox disease, that how is Mpox virus transmitted to humans?
Transmission from animals to humans:
- mpox virus can be transmitted to humans by touching infected animals or by animal bites to humans.
- Also, eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals. So it can also cause the transmission of mpox in humans.
Human-to-human transmission:
- Touching contaminated clothing or bedding of an infected person of mpox.
- Skin to Skin contact
- Pregnancy and motherhood
Symptoms of Mpox virus:
Mpox is a dangerous disease. The symptoms of which vary from person to person. It should be noted that the symptoms of mpox virus do not appear immediately after transmission of the virus. Rather, these symptoms appear within one to three weeks after contracting the virus.
Below is a detailed overview of
Mpox symptoms:
Early symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain or weakness in different parts of the body.
- Back pain
- Fatigue or physical weakness
Symptoms after packing:
- Sore sores like blisters, pimples, and pus-filled pimples
- Itching and burning sensation on the affected area or wound
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
- Feeling very cold in fever
Acute symptoms:
- Weakness of the immune system. •Difficulty breathing
- Bursting wounds.
- Concomitant with other disease like smallpox etc. which makes diagnosis difficult.
Mpox Diagnosis:
Diagnosing mpox becomes difficult in areas where diseases similar to mpox such as chicken pox and measles are common. Therefore, it is easier and clearer to diagnose Mpox only through laboratory tests. Mpox evaluation can be done in the following ways:
Polymeric chain reaction(PCR):
PCR testing is the preferred method. Through which the diagnosis of Mpox can be made more easily. DNA of the virus present on skin lesions can be detected by PCR testing. For this test, samples are usually taken from areas with sores or blisters on the skin.
Serological tests:
Antibodies against mpox can be detected in the blood through this test, but this test is not very effective in diagnosing severe mumps infection.
Differential Diagnosis:
It is important to distinguish mpox from other pruritus-producing diseases such as smallpox, chicken pox, measles, etc. A thorough physical examination and history are essential to distinguish pox from all of these diseases.
Treatment of mpox:
No specific antiviral therapy has yet been approved for the treatment of mpoxs. but supportive care and symptomatic treatment can help control the disease and reduce complications. The following procedures may be used to treat mpox:
Supportive care:
Supportive care for the treatment of mpox can be of three types:
- Hydration: mpox can also be controlled by the hydration process. mpox disease can be controlled if patients are kept hydrated in the event of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or fluid loss.
- Pain management: Pain relievers should be used to relieve headaches, muscle aches, and skin rashes.
- Antibiotics: If any type of infection is on the skin or respiratory tract, it should be treated with antibiotics.
Antiviral agents:
As we know, there are no specific antiviral agents for the treatment of mpoxs. However, there are a few antivirals that can be effective in cases of mpox, such as cidofovir and brincidofovir. which are for patients with actual smallpox and weakened immune systems.
Vaccination:
MVA-BN ( Modified Vaccines Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) and ACAM2000 all these provide protection against mpox.
Isolation and infection control:
Isolation of people infected with monkey pox is very important to prevent the spread of mpox. Health workers should also take care of their own safety when caring for Mpox patients.
Outbreak of Mpox:
This is the sharp rise in mpox Virus cases across the multiple African nation has led the world health organization. The world health organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024 declared the Mpox outbreaks as a global health emergency. The African CDS also declared mpox a public health emergency. The m box or monkey box outbreaks has affected over 115 countries. With over 15600 infections and 537 deaths in DRC this year.
Children have been particularly affected rising significant corner. This is the worst in the democration Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. Recently, the first outbreak, started in 2022, the world health organism decided to change the name of monkey pox to mpox in November of that year. Following racist insinuation towards some communities. According to data collected from national authorities 99, 176, cases of monkey pox were confirmed between January 1, 2022 and January 30, 2024, and 208 people were died causes of mpox.
About Author
I’m Ayesha Iqbal, a student studying MBBS at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Lahore. I write about health for “GenZ Cares” because they care a lot about young people staying healthy. I do research and try new things to learn more about how to keep everyone feeling good. My articles focus on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through my writing, I aim to share valuable insights and practical tips that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Reviewed By
This article is reviewed by “Nashit Aliyan“, a certified Surgical Technologist from Government College University Faisalabad under section 2017-2021. I am 17A medical officer as well as Strategic and financial planning expert and Proficient in surgical field. Me and my team use the latest technology to perform complex surgical procedures. I recommend to “GenZ Cares” because they are really hardworking in their work and care a lot about youth to staying healthy.