On July 23, 2022, monkeypox was declared a health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the New York State Department of Health, monkeypox is “a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death.” As of Aug. 18, 2022, there are 101 cases of monkeypox in Indiana. 

Common Symptoms include:

Rashes on or near the genitals, hands, feet, chest, face or mouth

Rashes can initially look like pimples or blisters, and may be itchy or painful

Fever

Chills

Exhaustion

Muscle aches and backaches

Headaches 

Respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)

You may also experience all or only a few symptoms:

Some people experience flu-like symptoms before a rash appears, while others get a rash first, which is occasionally followed by other symptoms.

Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will likely develop a rash one to four days afterwards. 

Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start to until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts two to four weeks.

How to prevent transmission of the virus

If you suspect you have monkeypox or are showing symptoms, avoid close contact with anyone until you have seen a doctor.

When seeing a healthcare provider, wear a mask

Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close contact. 

Wash your hands. 

Do not share personal hygiene items such as towels and toothbrushes.

Isolate yourself from others. 

If isolation isn’t possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends covering lesions, wearing a mask if there are respiratory symptoms and avoiding physical contact with others, among other things.

Due to very limited supply of the vaccine, follow these guidelines until a vaccine is available. 

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for monkeypox yet. However, smallpox and monkeypox are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be effective in the prevention and treatment of monkeypox. 

Fort Wayne Resources

The After Dark Nightclub, in conjunction with state health officials, is helping to prevent the spread of monkeypox in our area. They are hosting a vaccination clinic on Friday nights that are open until midnight, and vaccines are free. Officials recommend that anyone who has been in contact with an infected person should get the vaccine. The After Dark Nightclub is located at 112 E Masterson Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46803.

Origins of the virus

Most sources say the virus originated from central Africa, although some say that it came from northern Europe. It first started to spread to the rest of the world after several members of a London family became infected after contact with a family member who had visited Nigeria, where the virus is endemic. Cases then started showing up all across the globe, creating a very unusual outbreak, since only one person had travel history to an endemic location. 

Monkeypox was actually discovered around 50 years ago in a group of captive primates, hence the name monkeypox. 

Is it the next Covid-19?

Most likely, no. As of Aug. 3, 2022, the U.S. has reported around 6,600 cases according to the data from the CDC. States reporting the highest number of cases to include New York, California, Illinois, Florida, Texas and Georgia. On Aug. 4, 2022, federal officials declared a public health emergency; meanwhile, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern in July. 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in a press conference that “this is an outbreak that can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups. The best way to do that is to reduce the risk of exposure. That means making safe choices for yourself and others.”

Sources

https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/monkeypox/

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2022/what-you-need-to-know-about-monkeypox

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-08-01/mapping-monkeypox-cases-in-the-u-s

https://thehill.com/homenews/wire/3517443-where-did-the-monkeypox-virus-get-its-name/

https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/after-dark-night-club-hosts-monkeypox-vaccine-clinic/