Monkeypox Situation : Health Threat from a Viral Infection

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by Orthopoxvirus. It is an endemic disease in Central and West Africa. In 2022, monkeypox is a re-emerging infectious disease and 87,078 infected patients were reported at the end of March 2023. This zoonotic disease was transmitted from monkeys and other primates, squirrels, rats, rodents, dogs, and also transmission from human-to-human. Monkeypox virus was found in blood, lesions, respiratory tract droplets, and the infection occurred when they contacted or close to infected wildlife, patients, or patients’ appliances. Social distancing, wearing a face mask, and handwashing could reduce the risk of monkeypox infection. The incubation period ranged from 5 to 21 days, then fever, headache, myalgia, fatigue, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and centralized lesion including palm and sole. The complication and severity of the case were found in the immunocompromised person. The fatality rate was about 10%. History of smallpox vaccinated could be against monkeypox infection. Symptomatic treatment and supportive care were applied because there was no standard treatment for monkeypox. Medication used to treat smallpox could be considered for the severity of the case. Nowadays, there are no more reports of monkeypox infection in Thailand. However, public health surveillance should be concerned when countries open borders and increase travel across countries. In addition, self-protective behaviors of mokeypox infection should be practiced.