From WHO: What is Monkeypox and how does it spread?

Health Watch

What is monkeypox?
It is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus – a viral zoonotic disease, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread between people.

Where is it found?
It is commonly found in central and west Africa where there are tropical rainforests and where animals that may carry the virus live. People with monkeypox are occasionally identified in other countries following travel from regions where monkeypox is endemic.

What are its symptoms?
The symptoms include fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions.
The rash usually begins within one to three days of the start of a fever.
Lesions can be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up and fall off.
The number of lesions on one person can range from a few to several thousand.
The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
They can also be found on the mouth, genitals and eyes.
Symptoms last between two and four weeks, then go away without treatment.
Those who have symptoms should seek advice from their healthcare provider.

Can people die from monkeypox?
In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own in a few weeks.
But in some individuals, they can lead to medical complications and even death.
Newborns, children and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms and death.
Complications from severe cases include skin infections, pneumonia, confusion and eye infections which can lead to loss of vision.
Between 3 and 6 per cent of reported cases have led to death in endemic countries, often in children or persons who may have other health conditions.

How does it spread from animals to humans?
Monkeypox can spread to people who come into contact with an infected animal such as rodents and primates.
The risk of catching it from animals can be reduced by avoiding contact with wild animals, especially those that are sick or dead (including their meat and blood).
In endemic countries where animals carry monkeypox, any foods containing animal meat or parts should be cooked thoroughly before eating.

How does it spread from
person to person?
People with monkeypox are infectious.
You can catch it through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms.
The rash, bodily fluids (such as fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions) and scabs are particularly infectious.
Clothing, bedding, towels or objects like eating utensils/dishes that have been contaminated with the virus from contact with an infected person can also infect others.
Ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth can also be infectious, meaning the virus can spread through saliva.
The virus can also spread from someone who is pregnant to the foetus from the placenta, or from an infected parent to child during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact.

Who is at risk of catching
monkeypox?
Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who has symptoms, or with an infected animal, are at the highest risk of infection. People vaccinated against smallpox are likely to have some protection against monkeypox,
but they still need to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

How can I protect myself and others against monkeypox?
By limiting contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
If you need to have contact with someone who has monkey-pox because you are a health worker or live together, encourage the infected person to self-isolate and cover any skin lesion.
When you are physically close to them, they should wear a medical mask, especially if they are coughing or have lesions in their mouth.
You should wear one also.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact whenever possible and use disposable gloves if you have any direct contact with lesions.
Wear a mask when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves.
Regularly clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after contact with the person who is infected, their clothes, towels and bedsheets and eating utensils with warm water and detergent.

n Next week: Can children
get monkeypox?