Combating Monkeypox

 It would be an understatement to say that everyone is on high alert for other types of outbreaks as the world continues to navigate Covid and its many strains. The disease, which was first identified in humans in 1970 and is mostly found in rainforest areas in Central and West Africa, is now experiencing its largest-ever outbreaks outside of the African continent.

Monkeypox has become a public health emergency.

STAT reported on July 23 that the number of cases had risen to 16,000, spanning 75 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. This was done somewhat controversially, because a panel of experts summoned to advise on the matter had not recommended that WHO declare it a public health emergency.

However, WHO's decision to make this designation may be due to lessons learned from Covid and a desire to move quickly in mobilising international resources to combat the spread of monkeypox. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus believes the announcement will serve as a catalyst for coordinated international efforts to combat monkeypox.

Transmission and monitoring

Monkeypox is characterised by a rash on the face and limbs, as well as fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. It can be transmitted from person to person through contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.

It can be difficult to keep track of outbreaks like this as they spread. Reporting from hospitals and doctors, as well as tracing mechanisms, can be useful, but they can be inconsistent and prevent healthcare professionals from staying ahead of the problem. According to a recent Guardian article, testing wastewater could be an easier way to track the spread.

Current availability of vaccines
Fortunately, unlike Covid, a vaccine for monkeypox is already available. Bavarian Nordic manufactures the JYNNEOS vaccine (known as Imvanex in Europe) for smallpox and monkeypox, and doses from the federal stockpile in the United States are already being made available to eligible people in places such as New York City, where case rates are rapidly increasing. So far, some communities have restricted vaccine access to high-risk groups such as gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with other men (MSM). However, as monkeypox spreads, this advice may change soon.

Monkeypox Treatment

The only considerable treatment currently available for monkeypox is the antiviral TPOXX, but the smallpox drug has not yet been approved by the FDA to treat monkeypox, making it difficult for Americans to obtain. Clinical trials are required, and while they are well underway in Europe, the United States is falling behind.