- Dozens of monkeypox cases have been reported in multiple countries in Europe, and the outbreak has since spread to North America and Australia.
- The rare disease is similar to smallpox but less severe.
- The World Health Organization says the outbreak is primarily spreading through sex.
The
On May 18, the CDC confirmed a patient had the disease in Massachusetts.
They’re currently collaborating with the state’s Department of Public Health to investigate the case of monkeypox in a Massachusetts resident who recently visited Canada using private transportation.
On May 20, New York health officials confirmed the disease is present in New York City, and NBC South Florida reported a “presumptive case” in Broward County, Florida. Canada has also reported several cases.
According to CNBC, Belgium is the first to mandate 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients.
The U.K. recommends those at “high risk” for monkeypox self-isolate for 21 days to reduce transmission risk.
People at high risk for infection include those who had:
- Direct exposure to broken skin or mucous membranes of a symptomatic monkeypox case
- Exposure to body fluids of people with monkeypox infection
- Exposure to potentially infectious material like clothing or bedding without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
According to the
The organization says it resembles smallpox—a related infection declared eradicated worldwide in 1980. It is also less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.
The WHO says scientists have identified several animals as susceptible to the monkeypox virus, including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, non-human primates, and other species.
As of May 21, the organization
However, much about the disease is still a mystery.
“Uncertainty remains on the natural history of monkeypox virus, and further studies are needed to identify the exact reservoir(s) and how virus circulation is maintained in nature,” said the
“Early symptoms include fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle and body aches, and exhaustion,” Hannah Newman, MPH, director of epidemiology at Lenox Hill Hospital, told Healthline.
According to Newman, the most obvious symptom is painful blisters.
“In 1 to 3 days after fever onset, there is generally the development of a rash or “pox” that consists of painful blisters and lesions that often begin on the face and spread to other parts of the body, especially the face, palms, and soles of the feet,” she explained.
Newman said most monkeypox cases resolve over time.
“But the rash and pustules can last for several weeks,” she said. “Mortality has been estimated to be 1 to 10 percent, depending on the strain. Thankfully, the strain identified in the UK cases has been associated with a lower mortality rate, about one percent.”
Newman said that risk factors for monkeypox include contact with live or dead animals, consumption of wild game or bush meat, or close contact with an infected individual.
“Severe disease and mortality [are] higher among children, young adults, and immunocompromised individuals,” she noted.
She added that there have been cases without travel to areas where the disease is established in the current outbreak, and “it is thought that sexual transmission may play a role.”
“While sexual orientation, specifically those who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, has been shown to be a commonality in this particular outbreak,” she emphasized. “It is important to note that anyone with close contact could contract the virus.”
Newman said there’s no monkeypox-specific treatment, but antiviral drugs and
“Currently “
She pointed out that the mode of transmission for this virus is much easier to prevent and control than a virus with aerosolization components like measles or COVID-19.
Newman added that disease prevention strategies in response to COVID-19 could also help against monkeypox.
“Including social distancing, masking, increasing ventilation, and staying home if we are sick,” said Newman. “Hand hygiene is also really key since this is a DNA virus which is better suited to survive on surfaces.”
According to Dr. Alex Li, deputy chief medical officer, L.A. Care Health Plan, there is no need for panic.
“The CDC is monitoring this situation very closely,” he said.
Li said CDC officials had informed him and his colleagues that they’re currently trying to determine how the infected U.S. patients contracted monkeypox.
“We have also been informed that there is a national stockpile of medications available should there be a greater outbreak,” he said.
Li advises that anyone who has symptoms similar to chickenpox, has had contact with symptomatic people, or has recently traveled to Africa, should contact their healthcare professional.
According to health officials, there are increasing cases of monkeypox, which is similar to smallpox but less severe.
Experts say monkeypox is spread by contact with bodily fluids containing the virus rather than through the air like measles or COVID-19.
They also say there’s no need to panic just yet, since vaccines and treatments against smallpox are somewhat effective against infection, as are strategies used against COVID-19, like social distancing and good hand hygiene.