Monkeypox, a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is now officially referred to as mpox by the World Health Organization (WHO). This change in terminology was implemented to address concerns that the previous name could be interpreted as racially insensitive. Mpox remains a significant and ongoing challenge to global public health. As of June 5, 2023, WHO has reported an alarming total of 87,929 laboratory-confirmed cases and an extra 1,095 probable cases. The virus has devastatingly resulted in 146 deaths. Heightening the concern, two cases of mpox were reported in Beijing, China on June 6, 2023.
Confirmed cases of mpox from 1 Jan 2022, as of 05 Jun 2023
Transmission
Mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. The disease can also spread from humans to humans. It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. Mpox virus can be spread to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn by close contact during and after birth.
Symptoms
The incubation period of mpox can range from 5 to 21 days. The febrile stage of illness usually lasts 1 to 3 days with symptoms including fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, myalgia (muscle ache), and an intense asthenia (lack of energy). The febrile stage is followed by the skin eruption stage, lasting for 2 to 4 weeks. Lesions evolve from macules (lesions with a flat base) to papules (raised firm painful lesions) to vesicles (filled with clear fluid) to pustules (filled with pus), followed by scabs or crusts.
The proportion of patients who die has varied between 0 and 11% in documented cases and has been higher among young children.
Treatment
There are no treatments specifically for mpox. The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems. Most people with mpox will recover within 2 to 4 weeks.
Prevention
Minimize contact with individuals infected with mpox, and maintain frequent hand hygiene using soap or hand sanitizers.
Avoid unguarded interaction with wild animals, particularly those ill or deceased, and ensure animal-based food products are well-cooked.
For those infected with mpox, isolation is critical until complete lesion healing occurs to prevent virus transmission. Abide by local health guidelines on home or facility-based isolation.
Diagnosis
According to the official diagnostic guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test for mpox. The best diagnostic specimens are taken directly from the rash – skin, fluid or crusts – collected by vigorous swabbing. In the absence of skin lesions, testing can be done on oropharyngeal, anal or rectal swabs. Testing blood is not recommended. Antibody detection methods may not be useful as they do not distinguish between different orthopoxviruses.
BioPerfectus has developed a suite of tests for detecting the mpox virus and possesses extensive experience in the prevention and control of mpox disease on a global scale. During the mpox outbreak in Africa, BioPerfectus collaborated closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), African Union, and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), supplying critical testing kits and offering our technical expertise. This vital contribution played a significant role in successfully containing the epidemic in the region.
Additionally, BioPerfectus maintains a long-term collaboration with the Chinese government. It has supplied emergency reserve test kits for numerous significant events, including the G20 Summit, the 93rd Military Parade, the Qingdao SCO Summit, and the Beijing Winter Olympics. BioPerfectus has also been a leading supplier from China, providing the global market with a significant number of Monkeypox Virus Real Time PCR Kits. Given the worldwide spread of the mpox virus, our expert response team remains vigilant and ready, poised to provide immediate support to affected regions.
By offering comprehensive Total PCR Solutions, including instruments and kits, BioPerfectus stands ready to contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases, including the mpox virus.
Reference:
1. https://www.bjcdc.org/article/78739/2023/6/1686056380752.html
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
3. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/if-sick/transmission.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/if-sick/treatment.html
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/monkeypox
7. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
