Monkeys (MPOX): symptoms, transmission, treatment and cure

Monkey smallpox, also called Monkeypox or MPOX, is a rare disease caused by a virus that causes symptoms such as chills, muscle pain, excessive tiredness and bubbles and skin wounds that can scratch or be painful.

The transmission of monkey smallpox can happen through close and prolonged contact with wounds and respiratory secretions released by the person infected at coughing or speaking.

In the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of monkey smallpox, it is important to go to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis, prevent transmission to others and start proper treatment, which includes the use of medicines to relieve symptoms.

Learn more about the monkey smallpox in the following video:

Monkey smallpox symptoms

The first symptoms of monkey smallpox are:

• Bubbles and wounds on the skin, which scratch and hurt;
• Fever;
• Chills;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Excessive tiredness,
• Back pain.

These symptoms usually emerge about 5 to 21 days after contact with the virus, and last between 14 to 21 days.

Bubbles usually arise first in the face and oral mucosa, then spread to the rest of the body and mainly reaching the extremities, such as the palm of the hands.

Also read: Bubbles in the hands that scratch: 7 causes (and what to do)

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In some cases, bubbles and wounds may also appear in the genital region, as well as swelling in the penis and pain in the anal region.

More rarely, it is possible to evolve into a more severe monkeypox picture depending on the form of transmission, the person’s immune status and the amount of viruses that has been inoculated. In such cases there may be pulmonary impairment or brain inflammation called encephalitis.

How the transmission happens

Monkeypox can be transmitted by contact with respiratory secretions that are released upon coughing or speaking, for example. But for the virus to be transmitted in this way, people must be very close for a long time.

In addition, transmission can also happen by direct contact with liquid released by the monkey’s bubbles and wounds, or through contact with contaminated objects, including towels and bedding.

The presence of lesions in the genital region also increases the risk of monkey smallpox transmission through sexual intercourse.

Person to person transmission happens from the onset of symptoms to the healing of injuries and formation of new skin. In addition, it is possible to transmit the woman to the baby through the placenta.

Is it possible to take smallpox from the monkey of animals?

Monkey smallpox transmission can also happen from animals to people, being more common through the bite of infected rodents, poorly cooked meat consumption or contact with secretions or blood from infected animals.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of MPOX can be made by the infectologist or general practitioner through health history and symptoms presented.

But Monkeypox confirmation is only possible by RT-PCR examination, which is done in the laboratory with a sample of the injury or crust secretion.

Also read: PCR Exam: What is it, what it is for and results

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It is considered a probable case of Monkeypox when the person has suggestive symptoms, had close contact with another person infected with monkeys (or suggestive symptoms) and has not yet received the result of RT-PCR exam.

If the person has symptoms suggestive of monkey smallpox, but the result of the exam is negative, other tests are indicated to identify the agent responsible for the symptoms and thus be able to start proper treatment.

How to differentiate smallpox from monkey from other diseases

The following table contains some characteristics that help differentiate bubbles and monkey smallpox injuries from other skin problems:

To better differentiate the causes of injuries, it is always recommended to go through an appointment with a doctor, who will evaluate the signs and symptoms presented by the person, and observe the type and site of the lesions.

How treatment is done

Normally no specific treatment for monkey smallpox is not required, as symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks.

However, in some cases, the doctor may indicate the use of analgesic and antipyretic drugs to relieve symptoms faster.

It is also important that the person is in isolation to avoid transmission of the disease to others, and it may be necessary in some cases that the person stay in the hospital to be monitored.

MONKEYPOX REMEDY IN BRAZIL

Anvisa has authorized the use of the drug Tecovirimat against monkey smallpox in Brazil.

Tecovirimat can be indicated by the doctor when the person is hospitalized, has a positive RT-PCR for the monkey smallpox virus and has the most severe form of the disease with at least one of the symptoms:

• Brain inflammation (encephalitis);
• Pneumonitis;
• More than 200 body injuries;
• Large mouth injury, which interferes with hydration and food;
• External lesions in the anal and rectal mucosa, and there may be increased risk of secondary infection;
• Ocular injury.

This medicine should not be used by people who have less than 13 kg, have tecovirimat allergy or any other component of the formula and who did not accept the consent for the use of the drug. See more details of smallpox treatment.

Does the monkey smallpox have a cure?

Monkey smallpox has cure and, in general, specific treatment is not necessary, as the virus is often eliminated by the immune system itself after about 4 weeks.

However, in some cases, to accelerate healing, the doctor may indicate the use of specific drugs to combat the virus.

Possible complications

Monkey smallpox may lead to the emergence of some complications, such as loss of vision due to corneal infection, bronchopneumonia, mental confusion, encephalitis, scars and skin injuries.

Is the monkey smallpox deadly?

Monkey smallpox is usually not deadly, as the disease can be fought naturally without the need to perform specific treatment.

However, in the most severe cases or when the disease develops in more vulnerable people, such as those who have a debilitated immune system, it can be deadly.

How to prevent monkey smallpox

To prevent a monkey smallpox infection, it is recommended:

• Avoid close contact with people diagnosed with monkey smallpox;
• Avoid touching the bubbles or contacting the clothes, bedding, towel and personal objects of people who have signs and symptoms of monkey smallpox;
• Use condom in all sexual relations, even if the wounds and injuries of the disease have disappeared;
• Disinfect and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water;
• Use protective masks.

In addition, as the disease can also be transmitted from animals to people, although rare, it is recommended to consume only well cooked meats.

It is also recommended to avoid contact with wild animals, especially rodents, as they may be infected with the monkey smallpox virus or other infectious agents.

MONEY SOARO VACCINE

The prevention of the disease can also be done through the vaccine. Currently, the vaccine approved in Brazil is that produced by Jynneos or IMVANEX, which is indicated in 2 doses, with a 4 -week interval between the doses.

This vaccine can also be administered 4 days after contact with the virus, being recommended in these cases only 1 dose.

In addition, if the vaccine is administered 5 to 14 days after infection, it is possible to reduce symptoms but not to avoid the development of the disease.

Vaccination against monkey smallpox is suitable for people with greater risk of exposure to the virus, such as health professionals, people who work in laboratory or research and laboratory tests with the Orthopoxvirus. The vaccine is also suitable for positive people for the HIV virus and with low lymphocyte count.