While India started recovering from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cases of monkeypox has perturbed several countries and caused havoc. India has reported its fourth case of Monkeypox in Delhi as of July 24, 2022. Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease and has symptoms like smallpox and is caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is a part of the variola virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, the virus which results in causing smallpox.   

Monkeypox symptoms:  

It takes about a few days to a few weeks for developing symptoms. Let us have a look at the common symptoms including:  

• Fever  
• Chills  
• Headache  
• Muscle aches  
• Swollen lymph nodes  
• Painful rash on pubic area, genitals, or around the anus.  
• Bumps on skin   
• Bumps look like blisters, pus-filled bumps, or open sores  
• Fever, flu-like symptoms before the rash  

Other than this, infected individuals have reported other symptoms too such as pain around the anus, bleeding in the lower part of the intestine, and painful inflammation of the anus and rectum lining. 

Everyone with monkeypox need not develop all the symptoms. In the current outbreak, many cases do not have the usual or classical pattern of symptoms. 

How is Monkeypox transmitted?  

Zoonotic disease transmission occurs from direct contact with blood, blood fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesion of infected animals. Monkeypox can spread from one person to another via close contact. Let us have a look at how an infected person can transmit monkeypox to another:  

• Contact with body fluids i.e., blood or semen 
• Contact with monkeypox skin lesions 
• Respiratory droplets you breathe in  
• Objects infected with body fluids like bedding or clothes etc  

Animals who are infected can also pass this disease if they either scratch or bite you. Consuming uncooked contaminated meat can also spread this disease.  

The virus enters the body through a break in the skin or mouth, nose, or eyes. If an individual has come in close contact with any individual for a prolonged period. This disease is not exclusively sexually transmitted, but you can get affected with it from other forms of close contact; e.g., an infected person can pass it on during intercourse. WHO (World Health Organization) has stated that many cases are sexually transmitted, especially among men who have a sexual relationship with men. 

How is monkeypox diagnosed?  

A healthcare professional can diagnose monkeypox with a blood test for checking the monkeypox virus or antibodies or by determining a sample of fluid swabbed from a rash under a microscope. As this disease is rare, so healthcare practitioners must rule out common rash-producing illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, or syphilis. ‘Swollen lymph nodes’ is one classical sign that helps in distinguishing monkeypox. 

For diagnosing monkeypox, a healthcare practitioner takes a tissue sample from an open sore. Then the swab is sent to the lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. 

Is monkeypox curable?  

Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting about two to four weeks. Most infected people get better on their own with no treatment. After the diagnosis, one must monitor the condition and take medicines to relieve the symptoms. Individuals must keep themselves hydrated. They may be prescribed some antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. The risk of illness is greater in an individual with a weaker immune system. 

Currently, there is no specific vaccine available for monkeypox, however, the smallpox vaccine is proven to offer up to 85 percent protection against monkeypox. Also, Cidofovir an antiviral drug is often prescribed to those with severe life-threatening symptoms. 

For severe symptoms, medical measures such as mechanical ventilation may be required.  

How to prevent the monkeypox virus?  

Monkeypox is rare but there are certain preventive measures that one must take to reduce the chance of getting infected. These include:  

• People with a compromised immune system and those allergic to latex must avoid the smallpox vaccine  
• Avoid close contact with infected animals 
• Avoid coming in contact with bedding and other contaminated objects of infected patients  
• Cook all food thoroughly, especially animal meat  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
• Practice safe intercourse, use condoms, and dental dams are recommended 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces for precaution 
• Immediately contact your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms of monkeypox infection 

How to take care of yourself?  

If an individual is diagnosed with monkeypox, then the patient must see a medical practitioner and follow the treatment prescribed. Here are some common recommendations:  

• Pain relievers: certain medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be recommended for symptomatic relief  
• Oatmeal bath: soaking in a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal offers a relieving feeling over the dry, itchy feeling that comes with skin rashes
• Isolation: avoid coming in contact with others until the skin lesions have scabs 
• Covering the lesions: the infected person must use a bandage to limit the spread to others 
• Take proper self-care: it is important that the infected individual must take proper rest, consume plenty of fluids, and wear a mask 
• Frequent temperature check: Body temperature must be noted minimum two times daily. If the patient develops a fever of more than 100 °F, immediately contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.  

When should you suspect monkeypox and consult a healthcare practitioner?  

You must seek immediate consultation if you:  

• Have a fever, swollen lymph nodes  
• Have new rash or sores  
• Came in close contact with an infected individual 
• Experience trouble breathing   
• Loss of consciousness  

Will Monkeypox, be the new Covid-19 for India?  

Most practitioners agree that the current outbreak of monkeypox is unlikely to cause another pandemic akin to Covid-19. This is not a new virus instead it has been for years so healthcare individuals have a good understanding of its structure and replication process. The virus spreads slower than COVID-19 and most people exhibit symptoms including a distinctive rash. This helps in identifying infected individuals and isolating their close contact is more feasible. 

On the level of the government machinery, health protection teams are contacting infected people, offering appropriate advice and monitoring them continuously. Those who have been in close contact with infected individuals are advised to isolate themselves for at least 21 days.  

In short, the chances of seeing another pandemic disrupt our lives are low. The use of vaccines and medicines helps in lessening the impact of monkeypox. And even if the virus exhibits new behaviour, there is no panic that the virus will spread like Covid-19, at least at this point.