The recent confirmation of a monkeypox case in the United Kingdom has propelled the viral infection into global discussions. Originating from an individual who travelled to Nigeria, this rare virus is similar to smallpox, setting off alarms in health communities worldwide. As an illness transmitted from animals to humans, or a viral zoonosis, monkeypox shares characteristics with smallpox and other diseases from the Orthopoxvirus genus.
Understanding Viral Zoonosis: Smallpox and Monkeypox
Smallpox was eradicated globally in 1980 through widespread vaccination, drawing attention to monkeypox as the next dangerous orthopoxvirus. The Orthopoxvirus genus on a broader level includes species such as variola (smallpox), monkeypox, vaccinia (buffalopox), and cowpox. All these can potentially infect humans.
The Monkeypox Virus
Monkeypox predominantly affects tropical rainforest areas across Central and West Africa and is sporadically transported to different regions. Hosts for the monkeypox virus include squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, and certain types of monkeys. This virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.
A Brief History of Monkeypox
In 1958, two outbreaks of a pox-like disease in research monkey colonies led to the discovery of monkeypox. The clinical symptoms of monkeypox are akin to those of smallpox, including fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes, however, it is clinically less severe. A distinctive aspect is the swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) caused by monkeypox.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
While most transmissions occur from wild animals, like rodents and primates, to humans, there have been occasions of human-to-human transmission. The first recorded human case dates back to 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during an intense period of smallpox eradication. Monkeypox can spread between people via contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Incubation Period and Fatality Rate
The incubation period for monkeypox typically falls between 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days. Alarming statistics reveal that up to a tenth of those affected by monkeypox could die, most of these being from younger age groups.
Treatment of Monkeypox
Clinically, monkeypox is similar to smallpox and responds positively to the same treatments. The vaccinia vaccine used during the smallpox eradication program also proved useful against monkeypox. Today, a third-generation vaccinia vaccine has been approved for prevention against both viruses while antiviral agents are also under development.
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Past questions about diseases for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (2014) included a query regarding which of the diseases – diphtheria, chickenpox, or smallpox – have been eradicated in India. The correct answer was that only smallpox has been eradicated (Answer: b).