Monkeypox: Do we have to worry?

Why are we talking about monkeypox ? The first cases of monkeypox in Europe were observed in London, UK, on the 7th of May 2022. About 2 weeks later, on the 19th of May, the first case of monkeypox was reported in Munich, Germany. Now the WHO warns that the world-wide spread of monkeypox may just be starting. The disease occurs frequently on its natural hosts, rodent s, in West and Central Africa. Rarely the infectionspreads to monkeys, which are false hosts, and sometimes also to humans. Currently, more than 2,700 people outside Africa are infected. There have been cases of monkeypox outside Africa before, however, these single cases could all be traced back to infected travellers arriving from Africa (or imported animals). The currently spreading contagion in Europe was also “imported” by a traveller. It is now spreading between humans. The current variant originated in West Africa and causes mild symptoms compared to the one that originated in the Republic of Congo ( mortality rate about 5 to 10 %). The mortality rate of the currently circulating monkeypox virus appears to be very low.

In this article, we take a closer look at the monkeypox virus to discuss the question of whether the current infections of monkeypox are a reason to worry.

How are humans infected with the monkeypox virus? Monkeypox is caused by Orthopoxvirus simiae (also Monkeypox virus, MPXV). Supposedly, monkeypox originated in rodents from which it was transmit ted to humans. It is unknown how the currently infected people caught the monkeypox virus. It seems possible that the virus changed its behaviour. Very possibly, its spread has been increased by: demographic growth encroaching on forests, increasing interaction with infected animals and improved mobility due to a better infrastructure.

Additionally, fewer and fewer people are vaccinated against smallpox since smallpox was officially declare d exterminate d in 1980 by the WHO. A vaccination against smallpox reduced the probability of getting infected with the monkeypox virus by 85%.

The virus is mainly transmitted during direct and close contact to infected people or contaminated materials (such as clothes, bedclothes, towels, etc.). It is also caused by direct contact to infected animals (e.g. through bites or contact with the secretions or excretions of infected animals) and by consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals.

Transmission from human to human may be caused by close contact to bodily fluids or the content of the blisters of an infected person (e.g. during sexual intercourse). Also possible, although rare, is a transmission via droplets in the air if the contact is very close. The virus enters through (even minor) skin lesions and all mucous membranes.

Infected people are infectious as long as they have symptoms (usually for two to four weeks). The period of incubation ranges between 5 and 21 days.

What are the symptoms and how is the virus detected? First symptoms include fever, head, muscle and back ache and swollen lymph nodes. After a few days a skin rash may appear, developing from spots to blisters until they crust and fall off. The skin rash usually occur s on the face, the palms and the soles of the feet. Sometimes, there are also more serious symptoms. Known at-risk groups are people with immunodeficiencies, children and pregnant women (for whom monkeypox might lead to a miscarriage ).

The monkeypox virus is detected with a PCR-test not with a blood test. However, testing the blood for antibodies can be helpful in case there is no other detection of the virus.

Diagnosed patients are subject to a 21-day quarantine. Since the virus can stay on surfaces and fabric for days or even months – all clothing, bedclothes or soft furnishings that infected people had contact with should be cleaned.

How are patients treated? What about a vaccine? Often, the symptoms disappear without therapy after a few weeks. Currently, no specific medication against monkeypox is available. However, antiviral medication can mitigate the course of disease. It is also possible to treat the symptoms. Early during the infection, a vaccine against smallpox or a compound of antibodies from vaccinated people can alleviate the infection.

The best way to prevent an infection is to get vaccinated against smallpox. Due to supply reasons, it is not yet recommended for everyone to get vaccinated. Whether it is reasonable for an individual should be discussed with a physician.

A Reason to worry? Apart from the fact that the ongoing outbreak should be closely monitored, experts estimate it unlikely that monkeypox will become an epidemic. This is due to the fact that monkeypox is not as infectious as COVID-19 or smallpox: close body contact is required for infection. Just sitting close to a patient causes no risk. In addition, knowledge on the virus is already available. Finally, the courses of the disease do not currently seem to be alarmingly severe.

However, the unusual outbreak of yet another zoonotic disease in the face of no international system to prevent its further spread should be subject to a discussion on how society should act to prevent outbreaks and strengthen the global health system.

EXERCISE:

1. The monkeypox virus is mainly transmitted during direct and close contact to infected people or contaminated materials.

A) True B) False

2. Person-to-person infection occurs only via aerosols.

A) True B) False

3. Diagnosed patients are subject to a 21-day quarantine.

A) True B) False

You’ll find the answer below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. www.cdc.gov 2. http://dict.leo.org 3. www.dict.cc 4. www.nhs.uk 5. www.rki.de 6. www.webster-dictionary.org 7. www.who.int

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten. Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Monkeypox: Do we have to worry?

Why are we talking about monkeypox?

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Monkeypox: Do we have to worry?

Why are we talking about monkeypox?

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