Monkeypox: A Global Challenge
Monkeypox has emerged as the most significant human pathogen in recent times and is a rapidly growing threat to public health globally. Monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, that belongs to the Poxviridae family. The smallpox virus also belongs to this family. Monkeypox virus, endemic to Central an...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
2022-11-01
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| Series: | Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/lnjpc/pdf/019a2d08-b154-47db-bbf2-a87e15ff61ce.pdf |
| Summary: | Monkeypox has emerged as the most significant human pathogen in recent times and is a rapidly growing threat to public health
globally. Monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, that belongs to the Poxviridae family. The smallpox virus also belongs to this family.
Monkeypox virus, endemic to Central and West Africa can infect various animal species but can also transmit to humans. Monkeypox
viruses circulate among wild animals and usually spread to people when they eat or have other close contacts with infected animals.
Getting bitten or scratched by the infected animal, direct contact with its bodily fluids, blood, blisters or scabs; indirect contact with
lesion material, e.g. contaminated bedding, linens and even eating the undercooked animal infected with monkeypox, could result
in transmission. Among humans, Monkeypox is contracted through close physical contact, and contact with contaminated materials.
Monkeypox presents with fever, headaches, myalgia, and enlarged lymph nodes. This is followed by a rash that starts from mouth to
face and spreads to the trunk and arms. The illness is usually mild and patients fully recover within four weeks. Nucleic acid testing
(NAT) is the primary diagnostic tool for detection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred method for NAT. Treatment is
mainly supportive and is directed to alleviate symptoms, prevent long-term sequelae and mitigate disease spread. Patients require
isolation and symptomatic care. The smallpox vaccine, antiviral agents and vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG) have been used in earlier
outbreaks but sufficient evidence to recommend their use is still lacking. |
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| ISSN: | 2707-3521 2708-9134 |