Jokes are already spreading online that monkeypox is a spoiler for 2023. What is this disease that we hear about from time to time when we come across news not about the war? Is it a new plague and we will all die? No. Let's try to understand.

 

What is monkeypox?

This disease was first described in 1958. Then two outbreaks were recorded among monkeys kept for research. The symptoms resembled smallpox, hence the name. But the first case of human infection was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Then they were actively working on the elimination of smallpox. After that, outbreaks were recorded in other countries of Central and West Africa. 

In general, monkeypox is a fairly rare, endemic (common only in certain areas) viral disease. Outside of Africa, this smallpox has been diagnosed only in travelers.

 Currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12 WHO member countries that are not endemic for the disease have recorded the disease.  Among them: are Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Cases have been reported that have no connection with travel. According to the information that exists at this time, in many cases (but not all), the disease was also diagnosed in men who have had sex with other men. We warn fakes that this is "exclusively a gay disease". No, this disease affects children, pregnant women, and people of all races and orientations. Currently, the WHO has only recorded this feature and no more. But this information somewhat puzzled scientists, because according to existing data, this disease is not sexually transmitted. However, during sex, you are definitely close to a person, so the risk of infection is higher.

How the monkeypox virus is transmitted and what are its symptoms 

First of all, you need very close contact. For example, you can get infected if you sleep on the same linen as the patient. It can be transmitted through damaged skin or body fluids, such as saliva: for example, if you talk to each other for a long time at close range. Drops of saliva that fall unnoticed on the face can cause infection. 

 There are 2 groups of the virus: West African and Central African. The incubation period lasts approximately 6 to 21 days.

The first country to introduce a mandatory 21-day quarantine for patients with monkeypox was Belgium. Britain is thinking of going further and recommending quarantine for contact people as well. In general, the initial symptoms of the disease are as follows.

• high fever (38.5 and above);
•     headache;
•     muscle pain;
•     back pain;
•    swelling of the lymph nodes;
•    chills;
•    severe fatigue.

 

Approximately 1-3 days after the fever (sometimes longer), a specific rash appears that resembles blisters or papules. First - on the face, then spreads throughout the body. In general, the disease lasts 2-4 weeks.

In African countries, 1 person out of 10 dies. But wait to be scared! Much depends on your immunity. Most at risk are:

• children;
• pregnant women;
• people with serious immune diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.

 

It also depends on the variant of the virus. According to the WHO, the Central African variant of the virus causes more severe cases. According to preliminary information from scientists, we are dealing with the West African, milder variant. So far, no deaths from monkeypox have been recorded in Europe and the United States.  

Is it somehow treated? Will there be a vaccine?

 No, there is no treatment. Your body will either cope or not. The smallpox vaccine can protect against monkeypox. Data from Africa show that if a person is vaccinated against smallpox, their protection against monkeypox reaches 85%. In the United States, the only vaccine that is registered against both types of smallpox is called JYNNEOSTM.

So far, there are no specific recommendations for vaccination. Currently, the WHO does not consider mass vaccination against monkeypox mandatory. For now, it is worth focusing on hygiene and sexual safety.

 According to the Ministry of Health, no cases of monkeypox infection have been recorded in Ukraine.

According to microbiologist Olena Livinska, it will be clear in the coming months whether the situation on the European continent with this disease will subside or become widespread. If everything does not develop according to the scenario we would like, then perhaps smallpox vaccination will be resumed. Older people, who have received the vaccine after smallpox, are most likely already protected.

Epidemiologist of the Department of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Vinnytsia region.