Causes and Transmission
Monkeypox virus is typically spread through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids. It can also be spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, respiratory tract or mucous membranes. The initial symptoms are very similar to other infections like smallpox and include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days of fever, the patients develop a rash, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab which later falls off.
Monkeypox Treatment Treatment: Diagnosis and Tests
The diagnosis is typically made based on the symptoms and exposure history. The rash appearing on the body after fever is very characteristic of Monkeypox Treatment. However, tests are required to definitively confirm the diagnosis. Some of the common tests used are:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of skin lesions- This is the most accurate test and can confirm the presence of monkeypox virus in the skin lesions.
- Electron microscopy of skin lesions- Electron microscope is used to look for presence of virus in the collected samples.
- Serologic testing of blood sample - Antibody response in blood against monkeypox virus antigens can be detected through serologic testing.
Ruling out other illnesses that may present with similar symptoms is also important. This requires collection of samples from skin lesions, blood, sputum etc for various diagnostic tests. Close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases should also be monitored for symptoms.
Monkeypox Treatment Options
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection but some antiviral medications may be used. The treatments are mainly aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Some of the commonly used treatment options are:
- Tecovirimat - This drug inhibits the spread of virus in host cells and is approved by FDA for treatment of smallpox. It can reduce the duration of illness if given early in the infection.
- Cidofovir or Brincidofovir - These antiviral drugs have been used to treat complications of other orthopoxvirus infections. However, their efficacy against monkeypox is still being evaluated.
- Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) - VIG contains antibodies against smallpox and may prove helpful for severe or complicated monkeypox cases. It is administered via veins to neutralize extracellular virus.
- Vaccination - Smallpox vaccine (Replication competent vaccine and 2nd generation vaccine) provides cross protection against monkeypox. Post exposure vaccination within 4 days of exposure may help in preventing or limiting the illness.
- Supportive care - Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen. Adequate hydration and secondary bacterial infection prevention are also part of supportive treatment. Isolation is necessary until all scabs detach completely.
Monkeypox Treatment: Severe Complications
Most people with monkeypox infection experience only mild to moderate illness that resolves within a few weeks. However, some may develop severe symptoms and complications which require hospital care and supportive management. Pregnant women and children are considered at increased risk of severe disease. Some of the potential complications include:
- Secondary bacterial skin infections- Pustules or lesions caused by monkeypox can get secondarily infected by bacteria. This leads to worsening symptoms requiring antibiotics.
- Pneumonia- Virus may spread and cause pneumonia in some severely immunocompromised individuals. This may require oxygen supplementation and ventilator support in worse cases.
- Encephalitis- Rarely the virus may infect brain leading to encephalitis or inflammation of brain. Symptoms may include confusion, seizures, alterations in mental status.
- Sepsis and septic shock- Widespread infection in the bloodstream can cause life threatening conditions like sepsis and septic shock in extreme cases.
- Vision loss or eye complications- In extremely rare instances, virus may infect cornea and cause severe vision impairment or blindness.
Hence, severe and complicated cases require intensive monitoring and care in hospital setting under expert guidance. Prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation are key to prevent adverse outcomes.
Isolation and Preventive Measures
People diagnosed with monkeypox should isolate until all scabs fall off. They should avoid direct contact with anyone, including pets and sexual partners. Clothing, bedding and towels used by the infected person should not be shared with others until properly washed. Caregivers should take necessary precautions like wearing personal protective equipment. Good hand hygiene with regular washing using soap and water is advised. Individuals with symptoms should also get tested as soon as possible.
Contacts of confirmed case should monitor themselves for symptoms as per public health recommendations. Sexual health experts also emphasize risk reduction through communication with partners, reducing number of close contacts and avoidance of skin-to-skin intimate contact for 21 days. Following simple preventive measures can significantly reduce spread even without masks or lockdowns. Heightened vigilance is prudent given ongoing outbreak.
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