What You Need To Know About The Monkeypox Virus

Monkeypox
Written By Luis Calderin
 

What is the monkeypox virus?
Stemming from the same family of viruses as variola virus (the virus that causes smallpox), monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and the virus is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

  • Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.

  • Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.

  • Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:

  • Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with monkeypox.

  • Hugging, massage, and kissing.

  • Prolonged face-to-face contact.

  • Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

A pregnant person can also spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

Coming in contact with infected animals is another way of receiving the virus, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

What are the symptoms of the monkeypox virus?
Symptoms usually begin 6 to 13 days after being infected but can range from 5-21 days. Symptoms of illness from monkeypox can be very mild. The virus can be spread even by people who might not realize they are infected.

People typically recover from monkeypox in 2-4 weeks without any medical treatment. However, symptoms can be very painful and people can acquire permanent scarring from the rash.

The most common symptom of illness from monkeypox is a rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores. It can also look like other more common rashes such as chicken pox, syphilis or shingles.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Backaches

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Chills 

  • Exhaustion

A person can experience a rash only. A rash usually appears 1-3 days after fever but may occur without other symptoms.

Are there any treatments or vaccines for the monkeypox virus?
There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections.

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

There are currently two vaccines that may be used for the prevention of monkeypox virus infection:

  • JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex), licensed (or approved) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of monkeypox virus infection, and

    1. ACAM2000, licensed (or approved) by FDA for use against smallpox and made available for use against monkeypox under an Expanded Access Investigational New Drug application.

At this time, there is a limited supply of JYNNEOS vaccines in Vermont. The federal government is working to rapidly increase available doses, so there should be more vaccines in Vermont in the coming weeks and months. For now, the Health Department recommends administering as many first doses as possible of this two-dose vaccine to eligible Vermonters.

Vaccination is FREE and available regardless of immigration status.

Here are the current eligibility requirements in order to receive a vaccine dose for the monkeypox virus:

  • People who have had recent exposures to individuals with confirmed human monkeypox virus infections.

  • People who have had recent exposures to individuals with possible monkeypox infections and who meet any of the following criteria that would put them at risk of more severe illness:

    • Immunocompromised

    • Atopic dermatitis

    • Pregnant or breastfeeding

    • Under the age of 8 years

  • Certain health care and laboratory personnel whose jobs regularly put them at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as performing testing or caring for multiple people infected with monkeypox.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of monkeypox?
As of August 5th, the CDC has only reported one case of monkeypox in Vermont. Although transmission rates are essentially non-existent within the state, it’s important to prepare for a potential outbreak in advance. This way, if there is a surge in monkeypox cases throughout local communities, transmission rates won’t increase as rapidly.

  • If you have a rash that looks like monkeypox talk to your healthcare provider right away, even if you don’t believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has the virus. If you don’t have a primary care physician, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care.

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who appear to have monkeypox.

  • Don’t touch any objects and/or materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

  • If you are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine and it is available in your area, call your primary care physician, your community clinics, or your local pharmacies to see if they have either the JYNNEOS or ACAM2000 vaccine available.

View the hMPXV Fact Sheet from the Department of Health Here.

 
Luis Calderin
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