Monkeypox frequently asked questions: Cause, symptoms, transmission, treatment and all you need to know
New Delhi, May 21: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that a total of 80 cases of monkeypox in 11 countries have been reported and said they are working to better understand the extent and cause of the outbreak.
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In a statement issued on Friday, the WHO said the virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travelers. "WHO and partners are working to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox. The virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers.
The WHO has also released a list of frequently asked questions and answers.
What
is
Monkeypox?
Monkeypox
is
a
disease
caused
by
the
monkeypox
virus.
It
is
a
viral
zoonotic
disease,
meaning
that
it
can
spread
from
animals
to
humans.
It
can
also
spread
between
people.
Where
is
Monkeypox
typically
found?
Monkeypox
is
commonly
found
in
Central
and
West
Africa
where
there
are
tropical
rainforests
and
where
animals
that
may
carry
the
virus
typically
live.
People
with
monkeypox
are
occasionally
identified
in
other
countries
outside
of
Central
and
West
Africa,
following
travel
from
regions
where
monkeypox
is
endemic.
Where
are
the
symptoms
of
Monkeypox?
Symptoms
of
monkeypox
typically
include
a
fever,
intense
headache,
muscle
aches,
back
pain,
low
energy,
swollen
lymph
nodes
and
a
skin
rash
or
lesions.
The
rash
usually
begins
within
one
to
three
days
of
the
start
of
a
fever.
Lesions
can
be
flat
or
slightly
raised,
filled
with
clear
or
yellowish
fluid,
and
can
then
crust,
dry
up
and
fall
off.
The
number
of
lesions
on
one
person
can
range
from
a
few
to
several
thousand.
The
rash
tends
to
be
concentrated
on
the
face,
palms
of
the
hands
and
soles
of
the
feet.
They
can
also
be
found
on
the
mouth,
genitals,
and
eyes.
Symptoms typically last between two to four weeks and go away on their own without treatment. If you think you have symptoms that could be monkeypox, seek advice from your health care provider. Let them know if you have had close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
Can
people
die
from
Monkeypox?
In
most
cases,
the
symptoms
of
monkeypox
go
away
on
their
own
within
a
few
weeks,
but
in
some
individuals,
they
can
lead
to
medical
complications
and
even
death.
Newborns,
children
and
people
with
underlying
immune
deficiencies
may
be
at
risk
of
more
serious
symptoms
and
death
from
monkeypox.
Complications from severe cases of monkeypox include skin infections, pneumonia, confusion, and eye infections which can lead to loss of vision. Around 3 - 6% of reported cases have led to death in endemic countries in recent times, often in children or persons who may have other health conditions. It is important to note that this may be an overestimate because surveillance in endemic countries is limited.
How
does
monkeypox
spread
from
animals
to
humans?
Monkeypox
can
spread
to
people
when
they
come
into
physical
contact
with
an
infected
animal.
Animal
hosts
include
rodents
and
primates.
The
risk
of
catching
monkeypox
from
animals
can
be
reduced
by
avoiding
unprotected
contact
with
wild
animals,
especially
those
that
are
sick
or
dead
(including
their
meat
and
blood).
In
endemic
countries
where
animals
carry
monkeypox,
any
foods
containing
animal
meat
or
parts
should
be
cooked
thoroughly
before
eating.
How
does
monkeypox
spread
from
person
to
person?
People
with
monkeypox
are
infectious
while
they
have
symptoms
(normally
for
between
two
and
four
weeks).
You
can
catch
monkeypox
through
close
physical
contact
with
someone
who
has
symptoms.
The
rash,
bodily
fluids
(such
as
fluid,
pus
or
blood
from
skin
lesions)
and
scabs
are
particularly
infectious.
Clothing,
bedding,
towels
or
objects
like
eating
utensils/dishes
that
have
been
contaminated
with
the
virus
from
contact
with
an
infected
person
can
also
infect
others.
Ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth can also be infectious, meaning the virus can spread through saliva. People who closely interact with someone who is infectious, including health workers, household members and sexual partners are therefore at greater risk for infection.
The virus can also spread from someone who is pregnant to the foetus from the placenta, or from an infected parent to child during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact.
It is not clear whether people who do not have symptoms can spread the disease.
Who
is
at
risk
of
catching
monkeypox?
Anyone
who
has
close
physical
contact
with
someone
who
has
symptoms
of
monkeypox,
or
with
an
infected
animal
are
at
highest
risk
of
infection.
People
who
were
vaccinated
against
smallpox
are
likely
to
have
some
protection
against
monkeypox
infection.
However,
younger
people
are
unlikely
to
have
been
vaccinated
against
smallpox
because
smallpox
vaccination
stopped
worldwide
after
smallpox
became
the
first
human
disease
to
be
eradicated
in
1980.
Even
though
people
who
have
been
vaccinated
against
smallpox
will
have
some
protection
against
monkeypox,
they
also
need
to
take
precautions
to
protect
themselves
and
others.
Newborns, children and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms and death from monkeypox. Health workers are also at higher risk due to longer virus exposure.
How
can
I
protect
myself
and
others
against
monkeypox?
You
can
reduce
your
risk
by
limiting
contact
with
people
who
have
suspected
or
confirmed
monkeypox.
If you do need to have physical contact with someone who has monkeypox because you are a health worker or live together, encourage the infected person to self-isolate and cover any skin lesion if they can (e.g., by wearing clothing over the rash). When you are physically close to them, they should wear a medical mask, especially if they are coughing or have lesions in their mouth. You should wear one also. Avoid skin-to-skin contact whenever possible and use disposable gloves if you have any direct contact with lesions. Wear a mask when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves.
Regularly clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after contact with the person who is infected, their clothes, bed sheets, towels and other items or surfaces they have touched or that might have come into contact with their rash or respiratory secretions (e.g., utensils, dishes). Wash the person's clothes, towels and bedsheets and eating utensils with warm water and detergent. Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces and dispose of contaminated waste (e.g., dressings) appropriately.
Can
children
get
monkeypox?
Children
are
typically
more
prone
to
have
severe
symptoms
than
adolescents
and
adults.
The
virus
can
also
be
passed
to
a
foetus
or
to
a
new
born
through
birth
or
early
physical
contact.
What
should
I
do
if
I
think
I
may
have
monkeybox?
If
you
think
you
have
symptoms
or
have
been
a
close
contact
of
someone
with
monkeypox,
contact
your
health
worker
for
advice,
testing
and
medical
care.
If
possible,
self-isolate
and
avoid
close
contact
with
others.
Clean
hands
regularly
and
take
the
steps
listed
above
to
protect
others
from
infection.
Your
health
worker
will
collect
a
sample
from
you
for
testing
so
that
you
can
get
appropriate
care.
Is
there
a
vaccine
against
monkeybox?
There
are
several
vaccines
available
for
prevention
of
smallpox
that
also
provide
some
protection
against
monkeypox.
A
newer
vaccine
that
was
developed
for
smallpox
(MVA-BN
-
also
known
as
Imvamune,
Imvanex
or
Jynneos)
was
approved
in
2019
for
use
in
preventing
monkeypox
and
is
not
yet
widely
available.
WHO
is
working
with
the
manufacturer
to
improve
access.
People
who
have
been
vaccinated
against
smallpox
in
the
past
will
also
have
some
protection
against
monkeypox.
The
original
smallpox
vaccines
are
no
longer
available
to
the
general
public,
and
people
below
the
age
of
40
-
50
years
are
unlikely
to
have
been
vaccinated,
since
vaccination
against
smallpox
ended
in
1980
after
it
became
the
first
disease
to
be
eradicated.
Some
laboratory
personnel
or
health
workers
may
have
been
vaccinated
with
a
more
recent
smallpox
vaccine.
Is
there
a
treatment
for
monkeypox?
Monkeypox
symptoms
often
resolve
on
their
own
without
the
need
for
treatment.
It
is
important
to
take
care
of
the
rash
by
letting
it
dry
if
possible
or
covering
with
a
moist
dressing
to
protect
the
area
if
needed.
Avoid
touching
any
sores
in
the
mouth
or
eyes.
Mouth
rinses
and
eye
drops
can
be
used
as
long
as
cortisone-containing
products
are
avoided.
Vaccinia
immune
globulin
(VIG)
may
be
recommended
for
severe
cases.
An
antiviral
that
was
developed
to
treat
smallpox
(tecovirimat,
commercialized
as
TPOXX)
was
also
approved
for
the
treatment
of
monkeypox
in
January
2022.
Where
in
the
world
is
there
currently
a
risk
of
monkeypox?
Since
1970,
human
cases
of
monkeypox
have
been
reported
in
11
African
countries
-
Benin,
Cameroon,
the
Central
African
Republic,
the
Democratic
Republic
of
the
Congo,
Gabon,
Côte
d'Ivoire,
Liberia,
Nigeria,
the
Republic
of
the
Congo,
Sierra
Leone,
and
South
Sudan.
Cases occur occasionally in non-endemic countries. These are typically reported in persons who have travelled to endemic countries. One outbreak was caused by contact with animals who had been infected by other imported small mammals.
In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox are being identified in several non-endemic countries. This is not typical of past patterns of monkeypox. WHO is working with all affected countries to enhance surveillance and provide guidance on how to stop the spread and how to care for those infected.
What
do
we
know
about
the
outbreak
of
monkeypox
identified
in
several
countries
in
May
2022?
Several
countries
where
monkeypox
is
not
endemic
have
reported
cases
in
May
2022.
As
of
19
May
2022,
cases
are
being
reported
from
over
10
countries
in
non-endemic
areas.
Additional
cases
are
being
investigated.
For
the
latest
information,
please
see
here.
With the exception of cases sporadically reported in travellers from endemic countries, cases in non- endemic areas that are not linked to travel from endemic countries are not typical. At the present time (as of May 2022) there is no clear link between the cases reported and travel from endemic countries and no link with infected animals.
We understand that this outbreak is concerning for many, especially people whose loved ones have been affected. What is most important right now is that we raise awareness about monkeypox among people who are most at risk of infection and provide advice on how to limit further spread between people. It is also important that public health workers are able to identify and care for patients. It is essential that no one stigmatize anyone who is affected by this event. WHO is working to support Member States with surveillance, preparedness and outbreak response activities for monkeypox in affected countries.
Studies are underway in affected countries to determine the source of infection of each identified case, and actions to provide medical care and limit further spread.
Is
there
a
risk
of
this
becoming
a
larger
outbreak?
Monkeypox
is
not
typically
considered
to
be
very
contagious
because
it
requires
close
physical
contact
with
someone
who
is
infectious
(e.g.,
skin
to
skin)
to
spread
between
people.
The
risk
to
the
general
public
is
low.
WHO
is
responding
to
this
outbreak
as
a
high
priority
to
avoid
further
spread;
for
many
years
has
considered
monkeypox
a
priority
pathogen.
The
cases
we
are
currently
seeing
are
not
typical
for
outbreaks
of
monkeypox
because
there
is
no
reported
travel
from
endemic
countries
or
to
animals
exported
from
endemic
countries.
Identifying
how
the
virus
is
spreading
and
protecting
more
people
from
becoming
infected
is
a
priority
for
WHO.
Raising
awareness
about
this
new
situation
will
help
to
stop
further
transmission.
Is
monkeypox
a
sexually
transmitted
disease?
Monkeypox
can
spread
from
one
person
to
another
through
close
physical
contact,
including
sexual
contact.
It
is
currently
not
known
whether
monkeypox
can
be
spread
through
sexual
transmission
routes
(e.g.,
through
semen
or
vaginal
fluids),
but
direct
skin-to-skin
contact
with
lesions
during
sexual
activities
can
spread
the
virus.
Monkeypox rashes are sometimes found on genitals and in the mouth, which is likely to contribute to transmission during sexual contact. Mouth-to-skin contact could thus cause transmission where skin or mouth lesions are present.
Monkeypox rashes can resemble some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis. This may explain why several of the cases in the current outbreak have been identified amongst men seeking care in sexual health clinics.
The risk of becoming infected with monkeypox is not limited to people who are sexually active or men who have sex with men. Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who is infectious is at risk. Anyone who has symptoms that could be monkeypox should seek advice from a health worker immediately.
Are
men
who
have
sex
with
men
at
higher
risk
of
catching
monkeypox?
Monkeypox
is
spread
from
person
to
person
through
close
physical
contact.
The
risk
of
monkeypox
is
not
limited
to
people
who
are
sexually
active
or
men
who
have
sex
with
men.
Anyone
who
has
close
physical
contact
with
someone
who
is
infectious
is
at
risk.
Anyone
who
has
symptoms
that
could
be
monkeypox
should
seek
advice
from
a
health
care
provider
immediately.
This
includes
people
who
have
connections
to
communities
where
cases
have
been
reported.
Several of the cases that have been reported from non-endemic countries have been identified in men who have sex with men. These cases were identified at sexual health clinics. The reason we are currently hearing more reports of cases of monkeypox in communities of men who have sex with men may be because of positive health seeking behaviour in this demographic. Monkeypox rashes can resemble some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis, which may explain why these cases are being picked up at sexual health clinics. It is likely that as we learn more, we may identify cases in the broader community.
What
is
WHO's
response
to
stigmatising
messaging
circulating
online
related
to
monkeypox?
We
have
seen
messages
stigmatising
certain
groups
of
people
around
this
outbreak
of
monkeypox.
We
want
to
make
it
very
clear
that
this
is
not
right.
First
of
all,
anyone
who
has
close
physical
contact
of
any
kind
with
someone
who
has
monkeypox
is
at
risk,
regardless
of
who
they
are,
what
they
do,
who
they
choose
to
have
sex
with
or
any
other
factor.
Secondly,
stigmatising
people
because
of
an
illness
or
a
disease
is
unacceptable.
Stigma
is
only
likely
to
make
things
worse
and
stop
us
from
ending
this
outbreak
as
fast
as
we
can.
We
need
to
all
pull
together
to
support
anyone
who
has
been
infected
or
who
is
helping
to
take
care
of
people
who
are
unwell.
We
know
how
to
stop
this
disease,
and
how
we
can
all
protect
ourselves
and
others.
Stigma
and
discrimination
is
never
ok,
and
it
is
not
ok
in
relation
to
this
outbreak.
We
are
all
in
this
together.
Why
is
this
disease
called
monkeypox?
The
disease
is
called
monkeypox
because
it
was
first
identified
in
colonies
of
monkeys
kept
for
research
in
1958.
It
was
only
later
detected
in
humans
in
1970.
Source: WHO