Monkeypox has been in the spotlight recently due to rising concerns about its spread. Originating from the same family of viruses as smallpox and cowpox, this viral illness has seen a surge in cases worldwide, with over 99,000 cases reported globally.

While Pakistan has reported around 11 cases and one death, the situation has led to the declaration of a public health emergency. But how serious is monkeypox, and what do you need to know about its spread, symptoms, and precautions?

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection that has both animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. Historically, the virus spread from animals to humans, with rodents like squirrels often being the culprits.

In 2022, however, we saw human-to-human transmission on a larger scale for the first time. This shift has caused public health officials to take the virus more seriously, even though its spread among humans is less common compared to other viruses.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

The primary modes of transmission for monkeypox include:

• Animal-to-Human: The virus can spread through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or lesions. Consumption of infected meat, particularly from wild rodents, can also be a route of transmission.
• Human-to-Human: This occurs primarily through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact, mouth-to-skin contact, and sexual contact. Face-to-face interactions can also spread the virus, especially through respiratory droplets during prolonged exposure.

Symptoms of Monkeypox:

Monkeypox presents with flu-like symptoms during its initial phase, known as the prodromal stage or fever stage. This stage lasts about one to four days and includes symptoms like fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy.

Following this, skin rashes develop, starting on the face and spreading across the body. The rash passes through several stages, each with distinct characteristics, and remains infectious until a new layer of skin forms.

The Risks and Severity of Monkeypox:

Monkeypox can be dangerous, with a higher fatality rate in certain strains. The new strain of monkeypox, identified recently, is more concerning, with a higher rate of transmission and severity compared to earlier strains.

While it is a self-limiting disease that can go into remission with timely diagnosis and isolation, it still poses a significant risk, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Vaccination and Treatment:

In Pakistan, access to vaccines and antivirals is limited. While the smallpox vaccine can offer some protection against monkeypox, it is not widely available.

The limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine is reserved for high-risk individuals. As such, supportive care remains the primary treatment option for those infected.

Precautions and Preventive Measures:

Given the potential severity of monkeypox, especially in the context of recent outbreaks, taking preventive measures is crucial. These include:

• Wearing Masks: Especially in crowded or high-risk areas, wearing an N95 mask can help protect against respiratory droplets.
• Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Isolation: If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others. This includes covering lesions, maintaining distance from others, and avoiding contact with pets.
• Disinfection: Regularly disinfect surfaces, especially if someone in the household is symptomatic.

Conclusion:

While monkeypox is not as contagious as some other viruses, it is still a serious health concern. Public health agencies are prepared to handle outbreaks, but individual vigilance is key. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can manage the risks associated with this virus and prevent its spread.