What we need to know about Monkey Pox – The Kampala Report

by Wejuli Junior Mike

Currently, there is global threat of Monkey pox that is affecting lives across the continent and beyond.  In 2022, a global outbreak of clade IIb started and is still ongoing, affecting several African countries. By monkey pox was identified outside of Africa and even Uganda has  a number of cases confirmed by the WHO Uganda office on their twitter handle (WHO 2024). Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and from person to person (WHO 2024). We are all at risk on the disease and need to take all the required caution in managing the disease.

Monkeypox symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure. The illness begins with:

• Fever: One of the earliest signs, often accompanied by chills.
• Headache: Severe headaches are common in the early stages.
• Muscle Aches and Fatigue: General body weakness and muscle pain.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike smallpox, monkeypox causes noticeable swelling in the lymph nodes, especially around the neck, armpits, and groin.

After these initial symptoms, a rash typically develops within 1 to 3 days. The rash begins as flat, red spots that progress to raised bumps, which then turn into fluid-filled blisters and, eventually, scabs. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and genitals. The illness usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, and most people recover without needing special treatment.

How is Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox spreads in several ways:

1. Animal to Human Transmission: This occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Uganda, this could happen when hunting or handling wild animals, particularly rodents and primates, or when eating undercooked meat from these animals.
2. Human to Human Transmission: This happens primarily through:
   • Close Contact: Physical contact with someone who has the rash, blisters, or scabs of monkeypox.
   • Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face contact, especially in close quarters, can lead to transmission via respiratory droplets.
   • Contaminated Objects: Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with an infected person can also spread the virus.

1. Mother to Fetus: A pregnant woman can pass the virus to her fetus through the placenta.

What Community Members Need to Know

1. Recognizing the Symptoms: Early recognition of monkeypox symptoms is crucial for preventing its spread. Community members should be aware of the signs and symptoms, particularly the rash that follows flu-like symptoms. If you or someone in your community exhibits these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
2. Avoiding Contact with Wild Animals: Avoid handling animals that could be reservoirs for the virus, such as rats, squirrels, and monkeys. If contact is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and gloves.
3. Safe Meat Consumption: Ensure that all meat, especially wild game, is thoroughly cooked before consumption. Eating undercooked meat from potentially infected animals is a significant risk factor.
4. Good Hygiene Practices: Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with sick individuals or animals. Avoid touching your face, particularly your mouth, nose, and eyes, with unwashed hands.
5. Isolating the Infected: If someone in your community is suspected of having monkeypox, they should be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. Those caring for the infected person should wear masks, gloves, and protective clothing.
6. Seeking Medical Help: Prompt medical attention is essential for those showing symptoms of monkeypox. Health facilities can provide supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a serious but preventable disease. With the right knowledge, precautions, and community cooperation, we can prevent the spread of monkeypox. By understanding how the virus spreads, recognizing its symptoms, and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves and others, we can safeguard our communities from this emerging threat. Let’s try to be very vigilant while in the public spaces by tacking all precaution as we did for COVID-19 and indeed we shall together manage the disease.