Oman- In light of the rapid changes the world is witnessing regarding the spread of monkeypox, questions arise about the behavior of the virus, its methods of transmission, and how to deal with those infected with this disease.
Professor Dr. Hamed Al-Zoubi, a virology consultant and head of infection control at King Abdullah University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Science and Technology in Jordan, says that the monkeypox virus, also known as “Mpox” – as the World Health Organization calls it – is part of the orthopox virus group.
The consultant added, “This virus is characterized by the presence of a fatty membrane around it, which makes it easy to eliminate using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers. The virus was first discovered in 1958, and the first human infection was recorded in 1970. However, the beginning of 2022 witnessed a noticeable spread of the virus outside Africa, which prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern.”
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Al-Zoubi explains that monkeypox virus is transmitted between humans in multiple ways, which are divided into direct and indirect.
Direct routes include close contact with an infected person through skin or body secretions such as kissing.
The virus can be transmitted through the respiratory system through coughing, sneezing, or close talking. In addition, the infection can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, which may lead to serious complications such as fetal death or miscarriage.
Indirect methods include contact with objects used by the infected person, such as blankets and clothing.
Al-Zoubi said that the symptoms begin with the appearance of blisters or ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes, usually on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, general weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. The infected person usually recovers within two to four weeks, but the condition can develop into serious complications leading to death in about 10% of cases. The infection is confirmed by examining the blisters and ulcers using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Al-Zoubi said that there are two vaccines available for the virus, but their use is limited to certain conditions and they are not generally given.
Incubation period
Al-Zoubi explained that the incubation period (the period from infection with the virus until the onset of symptoms) of monkeypox virus ranges from one day to 21 days, and is usually a week. A person becomes contagious from the onset of symptoms until complete recovery and the appearance of a new layer of skin, which may take a month or more. It is not known for certain whether a person is contagious during the incubation period, but studies are still ongoing to understand this point more deeply.
How to deal with monkeypox?
Al-Zoubi said that to reduce the risk of infection, the following is recommended:
- Isolate the infected person for 21 days and avoid direct contact with him.
- Hands should be washed regularly or sanitizers should be used when handling surfaces or while caring for the infected person.
- It is recommended not to use fans or vacuum cleaners in the infected person’s room to avoid spreading the virus.
- Healthcare providers should wear gloves, masks, and gowns.
Treatment
In turn, Dr. Dharar Hassan Al-Balaawi, Professor and Consultant for Infectious Diseases, says that there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus, but symptoms can be controlled and supportive care can be provided.
Some antiviral drugs, such as Tecovirimat and Brincidofovir, have shown effectiveness in treating severe cases, but they are not widely available, Balawi added. The human smallpox vaccine, which was discontinued in 1980, can provide up to 85% protection against monkeypox and is sometimes used in outbreaks.
Sources of infection
Al-Balaawi pointed out that rodents such as squirrels and mice are the main source of monkeypox virus in nature, and although some other animals such as monkeys can be infected with the virus, they are considered incidental hosts and not the main source of infection. The name was recently updated to “mpox” to correct the misconception that monkeys are the main source of the virus.
Al-Balaawi explained that most people infected with monkeypox recover completely without side effects, but severe infection may lead to scarring on the skin, especially in cases of severe rash, and in rare cases the infection may affect male fertility.