Monkey Pox
Monkey pox is a rare viral infection that is similar to human smallpox, but much less deadly. The first recorded outbreak of monkey pox was in 1970, when about 100 people in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) became sick with the virus. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of monkey pox in Africa. The most recent outbreak occurred in Nigeria in September 2017, with a total of 41 cases reported. This outbreak was unusual because it was the first time monkey pox had been seen outside of Africa. Research on monkey pox is being conducted by the U.S. FDA and WHO are among the medical organizations for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works on monkey pox vaccine. There is no specific treatment for monkey pox, but patients can receive supportive care to help them recover from the illness.
Symptoms: The symptoms of monkey pox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. The true cause of most rashes begins on the face and spreads to the entire body.. Monkey pox is usually mild, but it can be severe in some cases.
First Out-Break In USA
In 2003, the first outbreak of monkey pox in the United States occurred in Midwest. The majority of the monkey pox cases were associated with contact with infected prairie dogs. The majority of cases have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the outbreak originated.
The CDC has been collaborating with Ministries of Health and other partners to support surveillance ,laboratory testing, clinical management, and vaccination efforts in affected countries. In response to this second outbreak, CDC has deployed staff to DRC to provide technical assistance. Additionally, CDC released a limited supply of smallpox vaccine to WHO for use in response to this outbreak. In August, 2022 WHO has released some particular recommendations for monkey pox vaccine.
WHO Recent Recommendations for Monkey Pox Vaccine & Immunization
The primary goal of the global outbreak response is to stop human-to-human transmission of monkey Pox, with a priority placed on protecting communities in high-risk areas that may differ from those contexts. Judicious use of vaccines can support the response.
Interim guidance developed with the assistance of the WHO SAGE Working Group on smallpox and monkey Pox vaccines, which provides the first WHO recommendations on vaccinations and immunization for monkey Pox, is described here.
Mass vaccination:
A new monkey pox vaccine is being developed, but mass vaccination is not yet recommended by the World Health Organization.
The monkey pox virus is closely related to the smallpox virus, and both can cause serious illness in humans. The new vaccine is still in development and has not yet been fully tested. WHO does not recommend mass vaccination at this time, as there is still too much unknown about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
PEPV-Post-Exposure Preventive Vaccination:
The Monkey Pox vaccine is a WHO recommended post-exposure preventive vaccination (PEPV) for people who have been exposed to the monkey pox virus. The vaccination must be given within four days of first exposure in order to be effective. The Monkey Pox vaccine is not currently licensed for use in the United States, but it is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
PPV-Primary preventive vaccination:
The primary preventive vaccination (PPV) is a vaccine that is recommended for people who are at high risk of exposure to monkey pox virus. This includes people who are bisexual and who have close contact with animals that are infected with the virus. The PPV is also recommended for people who live in or travel to areas where monkey pox is endemic. The PPV is effective in preventing monkey pox infections and should be given to all eligible individuals.
Vaccination program:
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent instructions on vaccination programs are backed by thorough surveillance and contact-tracing. These two measures are essential to ensure the effectiveness of any vaccination program.
In addition to surveillance and contact-tracing, WHO also recommends an information campaign to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations. This campaign should include messages about the risks of not being vaccinated, as well as the benefits of vaccinations.
Decisions:
The decision to use smallpox or monkey pox vaccines should be made based on an assessment of a dialogue and risk factors. Case to case is too much important to reach the results.
Conclusion:
More information and results are awaited for the Monkey Pox vaccine, however, interim information will be updated soon. The Monkey Pox vaccine is still being developed and more information is needed in order to make a conclusion. For now, the interim information that is available will be updated soon.
FAQs About Monkey Pox & Monkey Pox Vaccine
How can monkey pox be prevented?
The first prevention is to avoid contact with infected animals, particularly monkeys, rats, and squirrels. If you must come into contact with these animals, you should wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask. You should also avoid contact with the body fluids of these animals.
Is there a vaccine or cure for monkey pox?
There is no specific cure for monkey pox and no licensed vaccine available.
However, because the disease is so similar to smallpox, which was once a major global killer, health officials are taking any potential outbreaks very seriously. So get vaccinated against smallpox. This will not protect you from monkey pox, but it will help reduce your risk of contracting the virus if you are exposed to it. At this time, there is no vaccine or cure for monkey pox, but researchers are working hard to develop both.
What are the side effects of a Monkey Pox Vaccine?
The side effects of the vaccine are typically mild and last for a short period of time. The most common reported side effect is soreness at the injection site. Other reported side effects include: fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These side effects are usually resolved within a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects have been reported, including: allergic reactions, seizures, and encephalitis. If you experience any severe side effects after receiving the Monkey Pox Vaccine, seek medical attention immediately.
You can also read WNV- West Nile Virus, Its Symptoms and Prevention
