Monkeypox is Disturbing! What are the Signs, Symptoms and How to Prevent it?

Monkeypox cases in Indonesia have increased again. As of October 30, 2023, there have been 27 cases of monkeypox in Indonesia spread across Bandung, Tangerang, and Jakarta. Currently, all patients are in good condition and do not have serious illnesses, but are required to self-isolate in health facilities. Therefore, it is important for the wider community to know more about monkeypox. The disease known as monkeypox is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when a smallpox-like outbreak occurred in a monkey colony used for research. The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, cases of monkeypox have increased and have been reported to spread to several other countries in West Africa and Central Africa.

The monkeypox virus is spread when a person comes into contact with an infected animal, an infected human, or materials contaminated with the monkeypox virus. Transmission can also occur from a pregnant mother to her fetus through the placenta. This virus can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals. Currently, animals that are confirmed to cause monkeypox are monkeys, pangolins, porcupines, squirrels, and rats, while other animals are still being studied. Furthermore, this virus can spread through contact with infected body fluids, wounds, or respiratory droplets if there is close contact for a long time. In addition, the virus can also be transmitted through items that come into contact with these fluids or wounds, such as clothing or linen.

The signs and symptoms of monkeypox are similar to chickenpox, the symptoms begin with headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. However, monkeypox and chickenpox can be distinguished from each other because monkeypox causes swelling of the lymph nodes,

while chickenpox does not. The incubation period for monkeypox ranges from 6-13 days, but can potentially be extended to 21 days. The duration of the disease is between 2-4 weeks. Signs and symptoms of monkeypox include:

● Headache

● Fever >38.5°C

● Asthenia or fatigue

● Myalgia or muscle pain

● Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes

● Lesions filled with fluid or pus that start on the face and then spread throughout the body

Monkeypox virus infection can be prevented by taking the following measures:

● Avoid contact with infected patients and animals, including animals that have died from monkeypox

● Avoid contact with items that have been in contact with infected patients and animals

● Isolate patients and animals infected with monkeypox in health facilities

● When caring for infected patients and animals, use personal protective equipment and wash hands properly after contact

● Cook meat properly and make sure it is cooked before consumption.

 

References:

1. CNBC Indonesia. Ministry of Health records 27 cases of monkeypox, here is the distribution of regions [Internet]. Jakarta: CNBC Indonesia; 31 Oct 2023 [cited 31 Oct 2023]. Available from: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/lifestyle/20231031130641-33-485165/kemenkes-catat-27-kasus-cacar-monyet-ini-sebaran-wilayahnya

2. B2P2VRP Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Monkeypox (cacar monyet) disease and what we need to know about it [Internet]. Salatiga: B2P2VRP Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia; publication date unknown [cited 31 Oct 2023]. Available from:

http://www.b2p2vrp.litbang.kemkes.go.id/mobile/berita/baca/419/Penyakit-Cacar-Monyet-Cacar Monyet-dan-yang-Perlu-Kita-Tahu-Tentangnya

3. Harris E. What you need to know about monkeypox. JAMA Network [Internet]. 27 May 2022 [cited 31 Oct 2023];327(23):2278-9. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2793012

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smallpox virus [Internet]. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; publication date unknown [cited 31 Oct 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

5. Niu L, Liang D, Ling Q, Zhang J, Li Z, Zhang D, et al. Insights into monkeypox pathophysiology, global prevalence, clinical manifestations and treatment. Frontiers [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2 November 2023];14. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132250/full