Authors: Chen Daohu, Zhang Wanzhong, Zhu Lin and Wang Caixia from the Sixth Chinese Medical Mission to Burkina Faso
In the long stories of fighting diseases, there are always unfamiliar names that strike our sight, bringing challenges and panic. Today we’ll explore a barely unknown “intruder”: mpox (formerly called monkeypox or monkeypox), a zoonotic infectious disease that should not be underestimated.
- Mpox virus: a member of the family of’orthopoxvirus
Among the orthopoxvirus species known to humans, smallpox, cowpox, vaccinia, and mpox are the four major members. In 1958, the monkeypox virus was first discovered to cause a disease similar to human smallpox in green monkeys. In 1970, the first human case of mpox infection was reported in an 8-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are two main types of mpox viruses, clade 1 present in Central Africa and clade 2 present in West Africa. The overall case fatality rate is relatively low.
- How does the mpox virus live? : coexistence of résistance and fragility
The mpox virus is a highly viable microorganism that can survive for several months in dry, low-temperature environments. Whether it is the earth or the surface of clothing, it can become his hiding place. However, this does not mean that the monkeypox virus is invincible. In fact, it is quite sensitive to heat. Simply heat it to 56°C for 30 minutes or to 60°C for more than 10 minutes to effectively inactivate the virus. In addition, common disinfectants such as 75% ethanol, chlorine-containing disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, can effectively inactivate the virus. Ultraviolet rays are also its great enemy and can destroy it quickly.
- Infection bye virus mpox : an “adventure” of the body
After being infected by the virus, the human body will experience an “adventure” from contamination to the appearance of symptoms. Most infected people will develop symptoms within a week and the incubation period for a few people can extend to 1 to 3 weeks. Early symptoms include fever, general muscle pain, and superficial enlargement of the lymph nodes, as if the body is sending an alarm signal. Subsequently, patients will be “attacked” by systemic rashes and rashes on the mucous membranes after the fever subsides. In some patients, rashes may even appear before systemic symptoms appear. After the scabs fall off, some patients leave behind erythema, pigmentation and scarring. These scars sometimes stay with the patient for several years. Fortunately, monkeypox is a self-limiting disease. The general population can recover within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, but the course of illness will be much longer in people with weak immunity.
- Contagiousness : and invisible “communicator”
The contagiousness of the mpox virus is one of its most troublesome characteristics. An infected person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the scabs on the rash disappear naturally. What’s even more worrying is that some studies have shown that some cases are already contagious 1-4 days before symptoms appear. This means that the virus may have quietly spread among the population without us even realizing it.
- Particularity of the infected subject : specific groups favored by the virus
Judging from the current outbreaks of monkeypox in many countries around the world, infected people are mainly concentrated among young homosexuals, and the disease is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. This feature significantly increases the risk of disease transmission in specific communities and also provides us with important clues to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies.
- Prevente mpox : a “shield” to protect your health
Faced with the threat of mpox, prevention is undoubtedly our strongest “shield”. First, it is essential to avoid close contact with confirmed cases of monkeypox. If you unfortunately come into contact with a suspected case, you should immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, alcohol or disinfectant. Once you suspect that you may be infected with monkeypox, you should seek prompt medical attention to receive professional diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, we should try to avoid contact with rodents and primates that may carry the virus, and avoid eating or handling wild game to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, we can also prevent this disease and reduce clinical symptoms after infection through early smallpox vaccination.
- Prevention and control of entry and exit personnel: the “sentinel” guarding the country’s borders
For entry and exit personnel, mpox prevention and control cannot be ignored. Travelers should pay close attention to information about the monkeypox outbreak in the destination country and try to avoid contact with people infected with the virus, people with monkeypox-like symptoms and animals likely to be carriers of the virus. When incoming persons have a history of suspected contacts abroad, they should monitor their health within 3 weeks of entering the country and try to avoid close contact with other people. As soon as symptoms similar to this disease, such as fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and honestly report your epidemiological history so that you can receive timely diagnosis and treatment and prevent the spread of the virus.
- Treatment of monkeypox
There is currently no specific drug treatment, but the disease is self-limiting. Most patients with mild symptoms can recover on their own, mainly with symptomatic support and treatment of complications.
- Conclusion: Build a healthy line of defense together
Mpox, this apparently little-known name, is in reality a significant infectious disease. Thanks to a thorough understanding of its lifestyle habits, its contagiousness, its particularity of the infected subject
and prevention and control strategies, we can better meet this challenge. In this battle against monkeypox, scientific knowledge is our weapon, prevention is our shield, and cooperation and sharing are our best armor. Let’s come together to meet this unknown challenge and protect the health and safety of ourselves and those around us.