Should We Be Worried About Monkeypox?

Here is a curation I made recently:

Monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, has recently been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to other countries[5]. However, it is important to understand the context and level of risk associated with this virus.

Transmission and Contagion

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads primarily through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. This includes direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, and can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face or intimate contact[2]. Unlike COVID-19, mpox is not an airborne disease and is less contagious. It does not spread easily through respiratory droplets and requires direct contact with blister fluid to transmit[1][2].

Severity and Risk

For most people, mpox is not life-threatening, and symptoms typically last from two to four weeks. However, it can lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia or encephalitis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and children under eight[2][4]. The current outbreak in the DRC involves a more severe clade of the virus, but this has not been widely reported outside Africa[3][5].

Global Impact and Vaccination

The global rise in mpox cases has led to increased vigilance, but experts suggest it is unlikely to have the same impact as COVID-19. The virus’s transmission through close contact rather than airborne means limits its spread[4]. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with two vaccines available to help control the spread. However, vaccination coverage remains low among those at significant risk in the U.S.[3].

Conclusion

While mpox is a concern, particularly in regions like Africa where the virus is more prevalent, the risk to the general population remains low. It is important to remain informed and take precautions if in close contact with someone infected. The situation does not warrant panic, as mpox does not pose the same global threat as COVID-19 due to its different transmission dynamics and lower mortality rate[1][2][4].

Citations:
1. Connecticut Children’s – Monkeypox: How Worried Should We Be Right Now?
2. OSF HealthCare – Should I Be Worried About Monkeypox?
3. NBC News – New Mpox Threat Could Cause Significant Harm in the US
4. The New York Times – Monkeypox Virus and COVID
5. WHO – WHO Director-General Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

To protect yourself from mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), you can take several precautionary measures:

1. Vaccination
– The JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for those at risk of exposure to mpox. It is administered in two doses, four weeks apart, to provide the best protection[1][6].
– Vaccination is particularly advised for individuals who have been exposed to mpox or are at higher risk, such as those with multiple sexual partners or who participate in group sex[2][6].

2. Avoid Close Contact
– Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash that resembles mpox. This includes avoiding kissing, hugging, cuddling, or having sex with someone who has mpox[9].
– In areas where mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can carry the virus, such as rodents and primates[9].

3. Hygiene and Disinfection
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the bathroom[9].
– Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has mpox. Clean and disinfect environments that could have been contaminated by someone with the virus[8][9].

4. Monitor Symptoms
– Be aware of mpox symptoms, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that can appear on various parts of the body. If you develop symptoms, seek medical advice and self-isolate while waiting for test results[4][8].

5. Behavioral Adjustments
– Consider temporarily changing activities that involve close personal contact, such as attending parties or clubs where there is minimal clothing and direct skin-to-skin contact, if you are at risk and have not been vaccinated[9].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting mpox. If you suspect you have been exposed or are showing symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly for advice and potential testing.

Citations:
1. CDC – Mpox Vaccines
2. Mount Sinai – Mpox Vaccine Information
3. Nature – Study on Mpox Vaccine Effectiveness
4. NPR – Monkeypox Symptoms, Prevention, and Vaccines: What to Know
5. OSF HealthCare – Should I Be Worried About Monkeypox?
6. CDC – Mpox Vaccine Considerations for Clinicians
7. HIV.gov – CDC MMWR Articles on Mpox Vaccine Effectiveness
8. WHO – Protecting Yourself from Monkeypox
9. CDC – Protect Yourself from Mpox

Monkeypox (mpox) is primarily transmitted through close, prolonged contact rather than casual contact. The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person. It can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face interactions, such as kissing or intimate contact[1][4][7].

Casual contact, such as passing by someone in a grocery store, having a brief conversation, or touching shared items like doorknobs, is not considered a significant risk for mpox transmission[5][7]. The virus is not known to linger in the air or be transmitted during short periods of shared airspace, which differentiates it from airborne viruses like COVID-19[7].

In summary, while mpox can be transmitted through close, direct contact, the risk of transmission through casual contact is very low.

Citations:
1. NCBI – Study on Monkeypox
2. Wiley Online Library – Monkeypox Virus Study
3. University of Chicago – What You Should Know About the New Monkeypox Outbreak
4. Nebraska Medicine – How Does Monkeypox Spread?
5. Maryland Health – Monkeypox FAQ
6. NPR – Clearing Up Some of the Myths About Monkeypox
7. CDC – Monkeypox Transmission Press Release

Monkeypox (mpox) is less contagious than many other viruses, including smallpox and COVID-19. Here’s a comparison of mpox with similar viruses:

Contagiousness

• Monkeypox vs. Smallpox: Smallpox was highly contagious and spread easily through respiratory droplets, leading to widespread outbreaks before its eradication. Monkeypox, on the other hand, is less contagious and primarily spreads through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person, or through prolonged face-to-face contact[1][8].

• Monkeypox vs. COVID-19: COVID-19 is more contagious than monkeypox, spreading rapidly through airborne particles and droplets. Monkeypox requires closer and more prolonged contact for transmission, making it less likely to cause widespread outbreaks like COVID-19[3][4][6].

Transmission Dynamics

• Direct Contact: Monkeypox spreads mainly through direct contact with infectious lesions or body fluids. This includes intimate contact and sharing contaminated materials like bedding or clothing[7][8].

• Respiratory Secretions: While monkeypox can spread through respiratory secretions, it typically requires prolonged face-to-face interaction, unlike viruses like COVID-19 that spread more easily through the air over short distances and time[6][7].

Conclusion

Overall, monkeypox is less contagious than both smallpox and COVID-19 due to its transmission dynamics. It requires direct and often prolonged contact, making it easier to contain through isolation and contact tracing compared to more easily transmissible viruses.

Citations:
1. NCBI – Article on Monkeypox
2. Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics – Article on Monkeypox
3. University Hospitals – Monkeypox and COVID-19: Key Differences
4. NPR – Differences Between Monkeypox and COVID-19
5. NCBI – Recent Study on Monkeypox
6. CDC – Monkeypox Transmission Press Release
7. OSF HealthCare – Should I Be Worried About Monkeypox?
8. WHO – Monkeypox Health Topic

The JYNNEOS vaccine, used for mpox (monkeypox), is generally considered safe, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects. Here are the most common and notable side effects associated with the JYNNEOS vaccine:

Common Side Effects:
– Local Reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site are common. These reactions are typically mild and resolve within a few days[1][2][8].
– Systemic Reactions: Some people experience muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and chills. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and do not last longer than a week[2][5][8].

Less Common and Serious Side Effects:
– Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience serious allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing, or a fast heartbeat. Immediate medical attention is required if these occur[4][7].
– Cardiac Events: There have been a few reports of cardiac events, such as tachycardia, following vaccination, but these are extremely rare and a direct causal relationship has not been definitively established[3].

Considerations:
– The vaccine is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for people with conditions like HIV or atopic dermatitis[3][7].
– It is important to receive both doses of the vaccine for full protection, and side effects are generally similar after both doses[2].

If you experience any concerning symptoms after receiving the vaccine, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Citations:
1. Drugs.com – Jynneos Side Effects
2. RxList – Jynneos Drug Information
3. NCBI – Study on Jynneos Vaccine
4. Mayo Clinic – Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine: Side Effects
5. Australian Government – Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccines
6. City of Toronto – Mpox Vaccine Information
7. NYC Department of Health – Jynneos Vaccine FAQ
8. CDC – Mpox Vaccine Recommendations