‘The virus has escaped from its usual animal host and is now spreading from person to person. It has entered the sexual networks of men who have sex with men…’
LAST July 23, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global emergency.
Worldwide, there are more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox, involving 75 countries so far, with at least five deaths. In the United States 4,600 cases have been reported in 30 States, the greatest number of cases compared to any country in the world. So far, only one case has been reported in the Philippines, on July 19th.
This article on monkeypox is authored by our guest infectious disease consultant, Dr. Joel C. Ang, MD. FAAFP, AAHIVM, President/Lab Director, Q Street Medical Associates in Washington, DC.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus closely related to the smallpox virus. Think of monkeypox and smallpox as their own unique type of virus. Historically, monkeypox has mostly infected animals in Africa, with an occasional spread to a human. The virus has escaped from its usual animal host and is now spreading from person to person. It has entered the sexual networks of men who have sex with men, and is increasing among that group. There are also a smaller number of cases occurring in other people.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The virus causes blisters or pustules (“poxes”), which can be very painful. These can appear anywhere on the body. In the current epidemic, they also are commonly found in the “underpants zone,” namely the genital and anal areas. They can also cause swelling and pain inside the anus. People infected with monkeypox may also have fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. People with monkeypox are generally ill for 3—4 weeks and must quarantine to prevent further transmission.
How is monkeypox spread?
Most commonly, this virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex, especially via contact with the fluid from one of the pox lesions. Monkeypox may also be transmitted by respiratory secretions and by body fluids such as semen. Close intimate contact seems to be the most common way it is transmitted, as opposed to simply being in the same room as someone. Because of the risk of transmission, a person with monkeypox is asked to isolate himself from other people until he has fully recovered.
How can monkeypox be prevented?
The most surefire way would be for a man to not have sexual contact with new male partners for the time being, since the virus is circulating primarily among men who have sex with men, and by intimate (often sexual) contact.
There is a vaccine, JYNNEOS, that is effective at preventing monkeypox (and smallpox). Protection begins a few weeks after the first dose.
If a person has had close/intimate contact with someone who proves to have monkeypox, the person can get a dose of vaccine. If given soon enough it may prevent the infection completely, or (especially if given more than a few days after exposure) it still may make the infection less severe.
A question from a reader: “I am ‘older’ and I had the smallpox vaccine when I was a child, which younger folks today have not had, will this vaccine protect me from monkeypox?” We know that the immunity from smallpox vaccine fades with age. The smallpox vaccine that some older folks had decades ago is unlikely to prevent monkeypox now. However, it may help reduce the severity of the disease if the person catches monkeypox.
How is monkeypox treated?
Most people with monkeypox do not need antiviral treatment; their system clears the virus on its own. The most common treatments a person might need are for control of symptoms such as pain and fever. There is an experimental antiviral (tecovirimat, or TPOXX) that can be obtained for people with severe symptoms. HIV antivirals do not treat monkeypox, nor do antivirals designed for other infections such as herpes, flu, COVID-19, etc.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
