Monkeypox: Things we know as of now

Outbreaks in the West along with periodic re-emergence of the disease in parts of Africa have generated concern among global health bodies due to the existent deficiency of guidelines for the management of the disease. A recent review in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India JAPI throws light on this outbreak known as Monkeypox.

Genetic variations and altered mechanisms favoring better survival of the virus have made early identification of the disease during screening difficult, particularly in resource-limited settings like rural areas of Africa.

Through evidence gathered from experimental studies conducted after these outbreaks, the virus is known to be transmitted from several animal reservoirs along with human-to-human contact of blood, body fluids, or aerosol. Early diagnosis through immunoassays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, although not very specific, allows early treatment and subsequently better patient survival and recovery.

The presence of lymphadenopathy along with fever, sore throat, and a vesiculopustular rash is diagnostic. The virus affects the gastrointestinal, hematological, ocular, and respiratory systems, in a like manner producing afflictions of the specific system.

Treatment, through experimental data, has been preferred to be symptomatic, with the aim to prevent superinfections. Antivirals have been studied and used in clinical trials with favorable outcomes. Antiviral immunoglobulins have also been used with success in certain patients for post-exposure prophylaxis.

The periodic occurrence and frequency of such outbreaks bring to light the need for epidemic awareness, research, and preparedness. Although the availability of literature is limited, we must improvise upon research pertaining to the outcomes of conventional practices so as to devise specific, disease-modulating strategies to prevent transition to complications.

Reference: Deshmukh P, Vora A, Tiwaskar M, et al. Monkeypox: What do we know so far? A short narrative review of the literature. J Assoc Physicians India 2022;70(7):87–90.