What You Should Know About Monkeypox
Monkeypox, which can be passed to animals and humans, is usually found in Central and West Africa. As monkeypox cases rise in North America and other parts of the globe, health authorities are expressing concern about the unusual uptick. As such, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is urging public health authorities in Canada to be vigilant.
About Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name “monkeypox.”
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during an intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.
The main disease carrier of monkeypox remains unknown. However, African rodents and nonhuman primates (like monkeys) may carry the virus and infect people.
Recent Cases
Monkeypox cases in Canada are very rare. Monkeypox doesn’t occur naturally in the country, but there have been cases associated with international travel or imported animals from areas where the disease is more common.
The PHAC will continue to collect and study epidemiological information provided by provinces and territories to help determine if there are any increased health risks to Canadians. In its most recent report, nearly 100 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the country—most of which have been in Quebec, with a few in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates about the global impact of the virus. As of June 2, 2022, 780 confirmed cases had been reported to the WHO from 27 countries.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. The main difference between the symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell while smallpox does not. The incubation period from infection to symptoms of monkeypox is usually seven to 14 days, but it can range from five to 21 days.
The illness begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within one to three days (or sometimes longer) after a fever begins, people may develop a rash starting on the face and then spreading to other body parts.
Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:
- Macules
- Papules
- Vesicles
- Pustules
- Scabs
The illness typically lasts for two to four weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 people who contract the disease.
Transmission
Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth).
- Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated bedding.
- Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel very far, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Other human-to-human transmission methods include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material and indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated clothing or linens.
The main disease carrier of monkeypox is still unknown, although African rodents are suspected of playing a part in transmission.
Prevention
Several measures can be taken to prevent infection with the monkeypox virus:
- Avoid contact with animals that could have the virus (including animals that are sick or found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
- Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick animal.
- Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
- Practise good hand hygiene—washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer—after contact with infected animals or humans.
- Use personal protective equipment when caring for patients.
Treatment
Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. To control a monkeypox outbreak in Canada, the smallpox vaccine, antiviral medications and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used.
Additional monkeypox resources are also available here.