Monkeypox: Symptoms and prevention, outbreak of monkey pox 2023 in Pakistan

Monkey pox virus

 

What is Monkeypox:

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that was first discovered in monkeys in 1958. The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox is found primarily in Central and West African countries, and it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Transmission:

The monkeypox virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or pus. The virus can also be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated objects.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but they are usually less severe. The incubation period of monkeypox is between 5 to 21 days. The initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Within one to three days of the onset of fever, a rash develops, often beginning on the face, then spreading to the trunk and limbs. Lesions progress to pustules and then scab over and fall off within two to four weeks.

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Treatment is supportive, and symptoms can be managed with antipyretics, analgesics, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to be effective in preventing monkeypox.

Monkeypox treatment

Prevention:

Prevention of monkeypox is similar to that of other zoonotic diseases. People should avoid contact with infected animals, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced. It is also recommended to avoid contact with people who have monkeypox or have been exposed to the virus.

In conclusion, monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It is characterized by fever, rash, and lesions that progress to scab over and fall off within two to four weeks. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and prevention is based on avoiding contact with infected animals and practicing proper hand hygiene. If you suspect you may have been exposed to monkeypox, seek medical attention immediately.

Is monkey pox lethal? 

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. In some cases, a rash may also develop, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. While monkeypox is generally a self-limiting disease that usually resolves within a few weeks, severe cases can occur, and complications can arise, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and even death.

The Mortality rate:

The mortality rate for monkeypox varies depending on several factors, including the strain of the virus, the individual's age and overall health, and the availability of appropriate medical care. In general, the mortality rate is thought to be around 1% to 10% but can be higher in certain populations, such as those with weakened immune systems. It's important to note that the disease is rare and is primarily found in remote parts of Central and West Africa.

Outbreak of monkey virus in 2017 in Nigeria:

The most recent outbreak of monkeypox occurred in Nigeria in 2017. The outbreak began in September 2017 and continued until early 2018. The Nigerian Centreville for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a total of 172 confirmed cases of monkeypox during the outbreak, with 14 of those cases resulting in fatalities. The outbreak was contained through the efforts of the NCDC and other public health agencies, including isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns on prevention measures. Since then, there have been sporadic cases of monkeypox reported in other countries, including the United States, Israel, and Singapore, but these cases have been imported and have not resulted in sustained transmission within the community.

Outbreak of Monkeypox in 2023 worldwide and in Pakistan :

WHO had reported cases of monkeypox in 110 member states across all six WHO regions since January 2022.As of April 25, 2023, there have been 87,113 laboratory-confirmed cases and 130 deaths reported to WHO. 

There are two reported cases of monkeypox  which are been detected in Islamabad, they landed back to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia. It is according to officials who confirmed it. 

 The samples of the victims were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

An advisory issued by the Sindh Health Services Directorate General stated that the hospital administrations were required to establish a designated separate area with five to 10 rooms for isolation of monkeypox cases within 24 hours.

Please moniter that If anyone presents with acute illness with fever more than 38.3°C (101°F),  headache which is intense, lymphadenopathy, myalgia back ache,  and intense asthenia followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face and then spreading elsewhere on the body, including soles of feet and palms of hands and along with travel history of epidemic countries where monkey cases are reported, then these are suspected cases sadly.

We should  be vigilant for the detection of any suspected cases and ensure that we are prepare to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of monkeypox disease in Sindh.