Monkeypox is an acute viral disease, which appears as a rash all over the body, enlarged lymph nodes, feeling of chills and heat, headache, aching muscles and joints. Most often transmitted through close body contact and inhalation of particles of contaminated sputum and saliva..

The virus enters the body through the upper respiratory tract, skin and mucous membranes. It first develops in the cells of the small bronchi, bronchioles, skin and mucous membranes, where in the lower layers it continues to reproduce. From here the virus enters the crib - primary viremia occurs. The virus is absorbed by immune cells of internal organs, in which it can also persist and reproduce.

Signs and symptoms Monkeypox usually appears within a week, but can begin 1-21 days after infection. Симптомы болезни обычно сохраняются 2–4 недели, but may last longer in people with weakened immune systems.

Typical symptoms of monkeypox are:

• rash;
• fever;
• sore throat;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• back pain;
• general weakness;
• swollen lymph nodes.

For some people, the first symptom of monkeypox is a rash, в то время как у других вначале могут появиться другие симптомы.

The rash begins as flat sores, that turn into blisters, filled with liquid, and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry out, crusty, which subsequently disappears.

In some cases there may be one or more areas of skin lesions, and in others - hundreds or more. They can occur in a wide variety of areas of the body., eg:

• on the palms and soles;
• on face, in the mouth and throat;
• in the groin and genital area;
• in the anus.

Some people also experience painful swelling in the anus or painful and difficult urination.

Monkeypox patients remain contagious and can transmit the disease to others until, until all the ulcers have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.

Children are at risk for complications from monkeypox, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Usually, In monkeypox, a fever appears first, muscle pain and sore throat. Monkeypox rash starts on the face and spreads throughout the body, grabbing the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and within 2–4 weeks several stages pass through - macula (spots), papules (nodules), vesicles (bubbles), pustules (pustules). The lesions are depressed in the center and then crust over. Later the scabs fall off. A characteristic feature of monkeypox is lymphadenopathy. (swelling of the lymph nodes). In some cases, the infection may be asymptomatic.

Self-help and prevention

No specific treatment or vaccine has been developed for monkeypox at this time.. The effectiveness of smallpox vaccination in preventing monkeypox has been as high as 85%, however, following the complete eradication of smallpox worldwide, this vaccine is currently unavailable to the majority of the population. Monkeypox patients (suspicious for the disease) are isolated in a hospital setting, They are under medical supervision for 21 day.

To reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission, avoid close physical contact with people, infected with monkeypox.

Must be observed:

1. Respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, masks, gloves).
2. When visiting countries, monkeypox endemic, avoid contact with animals, who may be infected with the causative agent of this disease (primates, rodents, marsupials), refrain from eating wild animal meat.
3. In medical organizations it is necessary to comply with the requirements of sanitary standards and regulations in terms of ensuring biological safety requirements.

ГУ «Центр гигиены и эпидемиологии Заводского района г.Минска»

Врач-эпидемиолог противоэпидемического отдела Бальцук О.А.

2024