WHAT IS MONKEYPOX

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to small pox.^[1] The disease was first discovered in 1970 and is considered to be endemic to Central and West Africa.

SYMPTOMS

Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Skin eruptions usually occur 1 to 3 days after the appearance of fever.

TRANSMISSION

It is primarily transmitted through close contact (wounds, body fluids,

respiratory droplets) with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials.

The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

STATUS OF

OUTBREAK

The WHO has received reports of outbreaks of Monkeypox infections in Europe and North America since 13 May 2022.^[2] As of 21 May, 92 infections have been confirmed and 28 more are suspected in various countries in the said regions. The WHO reports that current infections do not have travel links to countries where the disease is endemic.

PREVENTION

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) released an advisory^[3] on the developing monkeypox situation. It noted that current health protocols implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including wearing of masks, ensuring good airflow, washing of hands, and maintaining physical distancing also help prevent monkeypox virus transmission.