Monkeypox Outbreak and Male Sexual Health - An Overview

Introduction

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus that occurs very rarely. There are two known clades of monkeypox virus- one originating from Central Africa and one from West Africa. The West African type caused the recent outbreak of monkeypox. Monkeypox virus has similar symptoms to smallpox patients. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, and with the cessation of smallpox, the monkeypox virus has emerged as an important orthopoxvirus for public health.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Seen in a Monkeypox?

• After exposure to the virus, it takes a few days to weeks for the symptoms to develop.

• Early signs of monkeypox include flu symptoms like fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

• After a few days, rashes start developing; it initially begins as painful flat red bumps. These bumps turn into blisters that get filled with pus.

• Eventually, within two to four weeks, these blisters crust over and fall off. Sores can also form in the anus, vagina, or mouth.

• However, not everyone with monkeypox develops symptoms. In the recent outbreak (2022), usual pattern symptoms weren't seen.

• The presentation included only a few lesions with no swollen lymph nodes, less fever, and other signs.

• Even if a person does not show signs of infection, it can spread to others through prolonged close contact.

How Is Monkeypox Transmitted?

When someone comes in contact with an infected person or animal, they can contact the virus. An animal-to-person transmission happens through skin broken from scratches or bites or by direct contact with an infected animal's body fluids, blood, or sores (pox lesions). Monkeypox spreading from person to person is less common. It occurs when a person comes into contact with an infected person’s scabs, sores, oral fluids, or respiratory droplets, usually through close situations like kissing, cuddling, or sex. It can also be transmitted with recently contaminated materials like bedding, linens, or clothing an infected person uses.

How Can Monkeypox Be Diagnosed?

Since monkeypox is a rare infection, the doctor might initially suspect another rash-like illness like chickenpox or measles. Swollen lymph nodes are the distinctive factor that distinguishes monkeypox from other poxes. The doctor will take a tissue sample from the lesion or open sore to diagnose monkeypox infection. This sample will be sent to a laboratory for polymerized chain reaction (PCR) testing. A blood sample will also be taken to check for the monkeypox virus or antibodies the immune system creates to defend against the virus.

Is Monkeypox a Curable Condition?

Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease, and its symptoms last from about two to four weeks. The majority of people with the monkeypox virus get better without medical intervention. After the diagnosis, the doctor monitors the condition and tries to relieve the patient's symptoms, Prevent dehydration, and provide antibiotics to manage any secondary bacterial infections. Currently, there is no approved antiviral treatment for the monkeypox virus. Even though antiviral drugs can help, they are not yet being studied as an ideal treatment for monkeypox.

What Is the Timeline of the 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak?

• In the United Kingdom, on May 7th, 2022, a case was reported from a traveler from Nigeria.

• Six more cases were reported between the 13th and 16th of May, among which all were infected from London and self-identified as gay or bisexual.

• On May 18th, Portugal reported 14 cases of monkeypox in men. This case coincided with Madrid, where 7 cases were reported.

• The predominant clinical features included rash in the perineal and anogenital areas with lymphadenopathy.

• The inguinal area was the most frequently seen location. Other symptoms seen include myalgia and asthenia (abnormal physical weakness).

• Most cases showed mild monkeypox symptoms, whereas around 3 percent required hospitalization.

• Around 84 percent of cases reported unprotected sex with single or multiple partners within 21 days before the symptoms began.

• A study reported that during the monkeypox outbreak, 99 percent of cases were seen in males having sexual contact with males. Rashes in the genital, perianal, or perineal area with lymphadenopathy indicated that close physical contact was the main reason for the transmission of the infection and its eventual outbreak.

What Measures Were Adopted to Control the Outbreak?

After the first monkey box virus was reported, a sample referral network was established. Recommendations were made for preventing and managing suspected cases and also identifying the contacts that were then provided. For all the suspected cases, recommendations were provided for home isolation under clinical surveillance, and also surgical marks were provided to avoid droplet transmission whenever a person shares a room. It was recommended to avoid contact with domestic animals.

Recommended measures were asked to maintain until the lesions of the condition got crusted, and scabs had fallen off. Close contacts of the infected person were informed about the symptoms associated with the condition. They were asked to take precautions like abstaining from close physical contact and sexual intercourse during the period. They were also followed up for 21 days by an epidemiologist once every week.

How Can Monkeypox Virus Be Prevented?

Monkeypox can be prevented by decreasing contact with an infected person and limiting the person-to-person spread. Some of the best ways to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus include

• Avoid contact with animals, especially sick or dead animals that are infected.

• Avoid contact with contaminated bedding or other materials.

• Cook thoroughly all foods that contain animal parts or meat.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Use condoms and practice safe sex.

• Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when around people.

• Always disinfect and clean the surfaces that have been frequently touched.

• While taking care of a person infected by the virus, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a rare disease that spreads through close contact, like kissing and sexual intercourse. Some of the early symptoms of monkeypox resemble the flu and include body aches, fevers, and chills. The best way to prevent and protect is by avoiding contact with infected people, wearing a face mask in Indoor or crowded spaces, washing hands frequently, cooking foods thoroughly that contain animal meat or parts, and disinfecting and cleaning surfaces that have been frequently touched.