Due to the current worldwide outbreak, there have been many recent news reports about the monkeypox virus. This outbreak has popped up in more than 50 countries, including Canada and the United States. In the US more than 25 states have reported cases; 3 are known in Oklahoma.
This current outbreak is the largest ever reported outside of Africa. Monkeypox if a viral infection related to smallpox and its symptoms resemble those of smallpox, though they are less severe. Infected persons first experience a flu-like illness of body aches, fever and cough, along with pronounced swelling of lymph nodes. Within days, a rash comprised of small blisters and/or pustules (pox) appears. This rash is similar to that seen with chicken pox and smallpox. Within two weeks, the pox crusts over and infected persons recover.
Monkeypox is endemic (regularly found among inhabitants) in several countries. The virus is commonly found in central and western Africa, where it infects both rodents and humans. Because it was first isolated in an African monkey, it was given the name monkeypox.
Monkeypox spreads through large respiratory droplets and body fluids. It is not highly contagious; within the household of an infected person only 10% of contacts become infected. The disease spreads most often when the infected person coughs in a face, drools, or kisses another. The virus has also been shown to spread by direct contact with the infectious rash and scabs and by touching clothing or linens used by infected persons.
The majority of cases in the current outbreak have occurred in men who have sex with other men, which means the disease may be sexually transmitted. Researchers are trying to discover if the virus has changed in a way that allows more easy sexual transmission, if human behavior has changed and/or if modern surveillance techniques are finding cases that would previously have been missed.
Because monkeypox has an incubation period of at least two weeks, exposed persons can be identified and vaccinated and treated with antiviral medications. Those who have been vaccinated for smallpox should have at least some protection against monkeypox. For others, there are 3 different vaccines available. These vaccines are reserved for people who have had direct contact with a known case.
By identifying cases of monkeypox, isolating them and treating all known contacts, this outbreak can be contained and stopped.