Is monkeypox still a thing? What is monkeypox and how do you get it? How monkeypox looks like? Is monkeypox deadly? How does monkeypox spread? Monkeypox outbreak, WHO monkeypox update | Real-time research collected by Grok

Beyond the Rash: A Deep Dive into Monkeypox

Is monkeypox still a thing? What is monkeypox and how do you get it?

Monkeypox Virus (mpox) –

• Origin: Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a part of the orthopoxvirus genus. It was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958 and in humans in 1970.

• Transmission: The virus can spread to humans through contact with infected animals (such as rodents or monkeys) or through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets of infected persons.

• Health Effect (monkeypox where does the rash starts): Symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder. They include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Monkeypox can be serious, especially in young children or immunocompromised individuals.

• Outbreaks: There have been multiple outbreaks, including a significant one in 2022 that spread to several non-endemic countries.

How monkeypox looks like -

Is monkeypox deadly?

There are two genetic clades of monkeypox virus: clade I (more severe, endemic to Central Africa) and clade II (less severe, endemic to West Africa). The recent global outbreak predominantly involved clade II, which has a significantly lower mortality rate, with over 99.9% of infections resulting in recovery.

Some patients may manifest only a single sore from the disease, while others may have hundreds. An individual can be infected with Orthopoxvirus monkeypox without showing any symptoms. Symptoms typically last for two to four weeks but may persist longer in patients with weakened immune systems.

Mpox (formerly “monkeypox”) is a viral zoonosis that presents similarly to smallpox but is less contagious and causes less severe disease. Mpox may be transmitted from infected animals to humans through direct contact or a scratch or bite. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and fomites. Two vaccines, JYNNEOS® and ACAM2000®, are currently available for postexposure prophylaxis as well as for prevention in certain populations at high risk for mpox. Most cases of mpox are self-limited; Mpox (formerly “monkeypox”) is a viral zoonosis that presents similarly to smallpox but is less contagious and causes less severe disease. Mpox may be transmitted from infected animals to humans through direct contact or a scratch or bite. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and fomites. Two vaccines, JYNNEOS ® and ACAM2000®, are currently available for postexposure prophylaxis as well as for prevention in certain populations at high risk for mpox. Most cases of mpox are self-limited; however, tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir are available as treatments for at-risk populations. 

How does monkeypox spread:

The virus may be transmitted to people through direct contact with infected mammals or bodily fluids. Person-to-person broadcasts, even though meagre, contribute to the spread of ailments, stressing the need for active stopping strategies. Clinical evidence of human monkeypox includes delirium, problems, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash. The range of ailment asperity ranges from mild, self-confining cases to harsh forms accompanying obstacles, Underscoring the importance of correct and appropriate diseases. However, distinguishing monkeypox from other rash ailments, including smallpox and chickenpox, is a challenge.

Superspreading events at mass gatherings, multiple-partner sexual encounters, and international travel were major drivers of the recent global outbreak of mpox.

The first step is the PCR to detect orthopox virus and the second test is to conduct PCR / sequencing to confirm the monkeypox virus. Very recently, commercial RT-PCR kits to detect monkeypox virus with primers and probes designed to target the F3L gene of monkeypox virus became available.

Monkeypox outbreak, WHO monkeypox update:

The WHO declared this a Global Health Emergency on 14 August 2024.

The latest updates on monkeypox, now commonly referred to as mpox, indicate a global health emergency has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to an outbreak primarily affecting parts of Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the center of this crisis. Here's a summary based on the information available up to August 19, 2024:

• Global Health Emergency: The WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This declaration comes after a significant increase in cases, particularly with a new, more deadly strain known as Clade 1b, which has shown a higher fatality rate than previous outbreaks.

Case Reports:

• Sweden reported its first case of the new mpox variant, signaling the disease's spread beyond Africa. This has raised concerns about further spread in Europe due to travel from affected regions.

• Philippines detected its 10th case of mpox, with the latest case being reported on August 18, 2024, marking the first case since the WHO's declaration. This patient had no recent travel history, suggesting local transmission.

• Australia has seen 93 cases since the beginning of June, indicating a significant presence in the region.

• WHO's Response: Following the emergency declaration, WHO has emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreaks. Recommendations include enhancing community protection through public health measures, providing clinical care guidance, and increasing vaccination efforts where applicable. The WHO is working with affected countries, the Africa CDC, and other partners to understand and address the drivers of these outbreaks.

• Public Health Measures: There's an increased call for preparedness, especially in regions not yet affected, including travel advisories and vaccination recommendations for those traveling to or from affected areas. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has also advised member countries to increase their readiness.

• Public Sentiment and Information: Recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect a mix of concern and calls for awareness. Users are sharing updates, urging for precautions, and discussing the implications of the WHO's emergency declaration.

This situation underscores the need for global health surveillance, rapid response to outbreaks, and the importance of public health measures in controlling the spread of infectious diseases like mpox. The WHO's declaration aims to mobilize resources, research, and international cooperation to manage this outbreak effectively.

Real-time research collected by Grok -

Based on the information available up to August 19, 2024:

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Over 14,000 cases, with 524 deaths reported, making up 96% of global cases for the new clade I strain of mpox.

Sweden: Reported its first case outside of Africa, linked to travel from the DRC.

United States: While no clade I cases have been reported, there have been 1,399 cases of other strains since the start of 2024.

South Africa: Confirmed 5 cases, with 2 in Gauteng and 3 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Globally: Over 120,000 cases have been reported worldwide by August 2024. Regionally:

Region of the Americas: 62,904+ cases, including the USA, Brazil, and Canada among others.

Europe: 27,529+ cases, with countries like the UK, Spain, and Germany mentioned.

Africa: 5,000+ cases, beyond the DRC, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.

Philippines: Reported its 10th case, with the latest case indicating local transmission.

Australia: 93 cases since the beginning of June.

Pakistan: Reported a suspected case, later confirmed, involving a resident who had traveled from an Arab Gulf state.

Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda: These East African nations reported cases for the first time, linked to the outbreak in the DRC.

The numbers and locations reflect a mix of the new clade I outbreak and other strains of mpox circulating globally. However, exact numbers for each country outside of the DRC, Sweden, the U.S., and South Africa are not detailed in the provided information, but regional totals give an idea of the spread's scale.

Maintaining cleanliness and vigilance in personal interactions can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading monkeypox.

Do Not Handle Wild Animals: Avoid contact with wild animals, especially those that appear ill, as they may carry the virus. This includes not consuming or handling wild animal meat

Ensure that anyone diagnosed with monkeypox isolates themselves from others until all lesions have healed completely to prevent further spread of the virus.

Joke -

Why did the monkeypox virus apply for a desk job?

Because it was tired of swinging from host to host!

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