"Monkeypox" Do not panic but be aware and understand how to protect yourself

The outbreak of monkeypox outside the African continent in 2022 was first reported in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2022, and the World Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) since July 23, 2022.

Monkeypox Situation

There is a global outbreak with over 20,000 confirmed cases in 79 countries (data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of July 29, 2022). Most cases are in European countries, with reported deaths from Brazil and Spain.

Monkeypox Situation in Thailand

There were reports of infected individuals traveling by plane with a layover at airports in Thailand in May 2022 before continuing to Australia. Later in July 2022, an infected Nigerian national was found in Phuket province, who subsequently left Thailand. Most recently, on July 28, 2022, the first Thai monkeypox case was reported, a man who has sex with men. Contact tracing has not found any additional cases.

How is Monkeypox Transmitted?

The main mode of transmission is through contact with the blisters or pustules of an infected person. Those at risk include people who have traveled to outbreak areas and those in close contact, including sexual contact with an infected person. The disease can also be transmitted through bodily fluids and respiratory droplets similar to COVID-19, but the chance of transmission this way is much lower than COVID-19.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and red spots that later develop into blisters and pustules. These lesions may appear on the face or other parts of the body. About 30% of infected individuals have lesions in the genital area along with swollen lymph nodes in the groin, which is linked to sexual contact with an infected person. The number of lesions is fewer than in chickenpox.

Treatment

Healthy individuals can recover from this disease on their own. Severe cases are usually found in people with other underlying conditions. There are antiviral medications that can treat this disease, but they are used only in severe cases.
The smallpox vaccine is about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. This vaccine, which has not been used for over 40 years, is now being produced again and administered in some countries. In Thailand, there is currently no recommendation for the use of this vaccine.

Summary

Monitoring the situation to prevent infection is the best approach. There is no need to panic as this disease is less severe and spreads less easily than COVID-19. The lesions resemble those of chickenpox and herpes. Confirmatory testing and isolation to prevent spread are important. If infection is suspected, isolate yourself from others and see a doctor immediately for confirmation.

Dr. Phatthaya Riangchan
Infectious Disease Specialist
Internal Medicine Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital