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Monkeypox is a virus that causes disease in humans and animals. Common monkeypox symptoms include fever and skin lesions. There is no cure for monkeypox, but some antiviral drugs may be effective in treating the disease.
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Orthopoxviruses, which include smallpox, cowpox, and monkeypox, cause diseases in both humans and animals. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, is well-known for its historical impact, having claimed approximately 400 million lives in the 20th century. The term "smallpox" referred to the disease's smaller skin lesions compared to those of "great-pox," or syphilis.
The development of a smallpox vaccine eventually led to its
eradication. The U.S. discontinued routine smallpox vaccination in 1972, and
the World Health Organization declared the disease eradicated globally in
May 1980. Currently, only the U.S. and Russia maintain legal stocks of the
variola virus, with the U.S. also keeping a reserve of smallpox vaccines for
potential bioterrorism threats.
Monkeypox, another orthopoxvirus, was first identified in 1958.
Despite its name, it can also be carried by rodents such as rats, squirrels,
and shrews, which may play a role in human transmission. The first human
case was documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September
1970. Monkeypox is endemic to Central and West Africa, where it spreads from
wildlife to humans.
Monkeypox symptoms resemble those of smallpox. After an incubation
period of up to three weeks, patients develop fever, headache, swollen lymph
nodes, and fatigue, followed by a rash and skin lesions. The rash typically
starts on the face and spreads to the extremities. Unlike chickenpox, which
features irregular lesions at different stages of development, monkeypox and
smallpox lesions are hard, round, and usually in the same stage.
Monkeypox spreads easily through respiratory droplets or contact with
skin lesions, and fecal transmission is also possible. Although the
mortality rate is lower than that of smallpox (ranging from 0-11% depending
on the strain), pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened
immune systems may face more severe outcomes. Complications include
pneumonia, dehydration, sepsis, and scarring of skin lesions. Isolation
until lesions resolve is recommended to prevent transmission.
The U.S. has experienced sporadic monkeypox outbreaks, such as the 71
cases in 2003 linked to animals imported from Ghana. There is no specific
cure for monkeypox, but past smallpox vaccination may offer some protection.
However, the effectiveness of the smallpox vaccine wanes over time. The
FDA-approved Jynneos® vaccine, introduced in 2019, can prevent monkeypox in
adults.
Antiviral treatments have been explored. Cidofovir, effective in
primates with monkeypox, has limited human studies and can cause severe side
effects like kidney damage. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIGIV) contains
antibodies to vaccinia virus but lacks evidence of adequate monkeypox
treatment. Tecovirimat (TPOXX®), approved in 2018 for smallpox, inhibits
viral spread and is available for both adults and children over 13 kg. It is
considered safe, with common side effects including headache, nausea, and
abdominal pain. The CDC includes tecovirimat as a treatment option for
monkeypox outbreaks.
For personalized advice on medication side effects, including
tecovirimat, you can get immediate recommendations online or call
1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
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