PARIS: Monkeypox has been deemed a worldwide health emergency by the World Health Organization, as calls for quick action to curb the virus' spread become louder.
The WHO reported on Monday that more than 16,000 confirmed cases had been reported in 75 countries so far this year.
Here is a small overview about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and vaccines of monkeypox virus.
Symptoms:
The initial signs of the disease can include a fever, headaches, severe muscle pains, exhaustion, a rash, and painful and swollen lymph nodes.
A rash may develop into uncomfortable, fluid-filled skin lesions one to three days following the onset of a fever.
The lesions or sores develop into scabs after a few days or weeks and then fall off.
In Central and Western Africa, monkeypox has long been prevalent. The lesions have been more prevalent on the mouth and around the genitalia and anus in other nations that have documented cases since May.
On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency added rectal discomfort or bleeding to its list of symptoms, along with one or two genital or anal lesions.
However, symptoms have differed amongst persons. The infection is spreadable until the rash has completely healed, which typically takes two to four weeks.
Diagnosis:
According to the WHO, the majority of recent instances around the world have involved males who have recently been with a new partner and have engaged in physical intimacy with other guys.
According to a research last week that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, gay or bisexual men made up 98% of the infected population, and sexual activity was the primary mode of transmission in 95% of the cases.
Numerous health organisations have cautioned that the virus's variable symptoms, which might resemble sexually transmitted illnesses, can make diagnosis challenging.
According to the WHO, Europe has been the epicentre of the outbreak, with many cases among younger men who live in cities.
A PCR test, a skin lesion sample, or a biopsy may be necessary for monkeypox confirmation.
While awaiting test results, those who may have cases must remain isolated. After the virus has been identified, three weeks of isolation are advised.
Treatment:
Usually taking two to three weeks, the illness will go away on its own.
Many times, treating the symptoms alone is sufficient, such as bringing down a fever or relieving itching, is.
However, the lesions can occasionally become very painful, necessitating strong medications or even hospitalisation.
Children, expectant mothers, and those with weakened immune systems have been known to experience the most severe episodes.
In either Europe or the US, no fatalities have been reported to date.
Monkeypox sufferers are advised to cover their sores to resist the impulse to scratch them, as doing so could transmit the virus or leave a scar.
A smallpox drug called Tecovirimat has been licenced by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of monkeypox.
Vaccines:
It has also been discovered that a smallpox vaccination from the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, sold under the names Jynneos in the US and Imvanex in Europe, offers protection against monkeypox.
Monkeypox was given the go-ahead by the European Commission on Monday.
According to the ECDC, it can also have a "strong protective impact" if given within four days of coming into contact with a monkeypox case.
The United States, Canada, France, and other nations have begun to give vaccinations to those who are most at risk for contracting the virus.
Two doses of the vaccination are administered, each at least 28 days apart. One dosage is sufficient for those who received the smallpox vaccine as children, though. It is advised to administer a third dose to those with compromised immune systems.
Health experts advise caution after receiving an injection because the vaccines do not offer immediate or complete protection.
The older ACAM2000 smallpox vaccination is also widely available in the United States, however it is not advised for everyone due to serious adverse effects.
