The World Health Organization declared mpox, also known as monkey pox, a global health emergency on August 14 for the second time in three years.
The announcement comes in response to outbreaks in 13 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic and others.
The last time there was a global emergency due to mpox was in 2022, two years ago. More than 17,000 cases will be reported across Africa by 2024, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s everything you need to know about the outbreak and the virus.
How is monkeypox spread?
There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I causes the most severe disease and death, and occurs most in central Africa. A global explosion in 2022 is Clade II. Infections are less severe and occur more in West Africa.
Both clades can be transmitted by direct contact with infected wild animals, pooches, or contaminated materials. Direct contact can also occur through prolonged contact such as talking or breathing.
Is there monkey disease in America?
The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. This was done amid an ongoing outbreak in Africa.
Despite the outbreak in Africa, no cases of clade I had been reported in the United States until last week. Federal officials have said the risk of a widespread outbreak in the U.S. is low.
Published by the CDC Health warning And Travel notification About Clade I mpox in Central Africa and Neighboring Countries. It is recommended that providers and healthcare institutions monitor for symptoms and ask patients about recent travel to affected areas.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
According to the CDCPeople with mpox usually develop a rash on the arms, legs, chest, face, mouth, or genitals. During the incubation period, 3-17 days, a person may have no symptoms and feel well.
Other symptoms of mpox include:
- fever
- Cold
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal and back pain
- headache
- Respiratory problems such as sore throat, nasal congestion or cough
Symptoms usually appear within 21 days of exposure to the virus. A rash will develop within four days if you have flu-like symptoms.
How to test for monkeypox?
Testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with mpox. Testing is done by a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider will get a sample tested to test for the virus. This is done by scraping the sores of the rash. The samples are sent to the lab and results are available within a few days.
How is monkeypox treated?
There is currently no cure for mpox. However, there is a vaccine that can be taken to prevent the infection. Once both doses of the vaccine are taken, a person need not worry about infection.
Although there is no cure, doctors are testing whether the treatment for smallpox, TPOXX, has any effect on mpox because the viruses are similar in nature.
