Monkeypox: Symptoms, Transmission, and Vaccine – What You Need to Know

Monkeypox: What is it and Why is it a Concern?

Monkeypox, the viral infectious disease that has recently been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO, is now in the spotlight.
With over 14,000 reported cases and 500 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the beginning of the year, the situation is alarming.
Especially worrisome is the emergence of a new strain in Eastern Congo, which has already spread to Europe, with a confirmed case in Sweden.

Understanding Monkeypox: Symptoms and Transmission

Monkeypox, known for its similarities to smallpox, presents with a distinctive rash starting on the face and spreading throughout the body, followed by the formation of vesicles that eventually scab over.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, typically appearing about twelve days after exposure.
While the mortality rate stands at 10%, transmission primarily occurs through contact with infected material from skin lesions or contaminated objects.
Human-to-human transmission is less common, with animal-to-human transmission typically happening through bites or blood contact.

Treatments and Vaccines

Usually resolving within a month, monkeypox can lead to more severe outcomes in vulnerable populations.
During the 2022 epidemic, the European Medicines Agency authorized the use of tecovirimat, an antiviral drug, for treating cases.
A vaccine against monkeypox is available, with previous smallpox vaccination believed to lower the risk of infection.
Bavarian Nordic produces the vaccine, with Europe procuring 175,000 doses for Africa and an additional 40,000 doses donated by the company.
However, there is a pressing need to accelerate vaccine production, aiming for 2 million doses by the end of this year and 10 million by 2025 to address the current public health emergency declared by the WHO.