THINGS? Monkeypox is a zoonotic infection (transmitted from animals to humans) caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox (Poxviridae), but differs in its lower transmissibility and severity of the disease. Since May 2022, it has occurred in several outbreaks in the USA and Europe. It is currently present throughout Italy. It is a viral infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The most characteristic symptoms at the onset are fever (sometimes very high), asthenia, muscle pain, headache and swollen glands (lymph nodes) especially in the neck, armpits and/or groin.
Skin lesions vary: they may appear as spots, blisters, or vesicles, which may eventually ulcerate and crust. It's also possible to find multiple types of lesions in the same person. The number, size, and location can vary and can be mistaken for other STIs, insect bites, ingrown hairs, or simple pimples. They generally occur in the most sexually exposed areas (the genital area, perianal area, or mouth).
Symptoms usually last two to four weeks.
When these symptoms are more severe, they may require hospitalization: primarily for pain management (especially when the lesions are anorectal), for soft tissue superinfections, or for isolation reasons. Less common are pharyngitis (with difficulty eating and drinking) and ocular lesions. Serious complications, such as epiglottitis, myocarditis, and acute renal failure, are very rare. The literature reports a mortality rate ranging from 1% to 10% in endemic countries, but to date, no deaths have been reported in Europe.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED? The primary route of transmission is sexual intercourse, either through direct contact with skin or mucous membrane lesions (blisters, ulcers, pustules, canker sores) or with objects that have come into direct contact with these lesions (such as clothing, sheets, or towels). The literature also discusses transmission through respiratory droplets and vertical transmission from mother to child.
Scientific literature has never demonstrated that asymptomatic people are contagious. However, skin lesions are often confused with other conditions, so it can happen that someone has sex even when they're already infectious, overlooking what appear to be simple boils, and be contagious without realizing it.
INCUBATION PERIOD The incubation time appears to be between 5 and 21 days.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH A CONFIRMED CASE?
In the event of close contact with a confirmed case, even without symptoms, self-monitoring is recommended for at least 21 days, contacting a doctor or an STI center if symptoms develop. If necessary, for greater precaution, self-isolation or at least sexual abstinence can be recommended, as PrEP and condoms do not appear to be effective in protecting us. This infection should not be underestimated, and as a community, we must strive to contain it and self-monitor.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS?
If you have blisters, ulcers, pustules, or canker sores anywhere on your body, fever, swollen lymph nodes, discomfort or pain in the anal canal, or have had sexual contact with a person who later tested positive for monkeypox, go to one of the city's STI centers for a checkup.
WHO TO CONTACT [Editor's note]
Gay Help Line toll-free number 800 713 713
Speakly App, available on iOS and Android, or on speakly.orgARE THERE DRUGS AGAINST MONKEYPOX? In Europe, specific medications are rarely necessary to manage Monkeypox infection. Tecovirimat, a tablet taken twice daily for fourteen days, is currently available. In rare cases, Cidofovir, an intravenous drip administered every two weeks, can be used. Finally, vaccine immunoglobulins can be transfused.
IS THERE A VACCINE? The Ministry of Health recently authorized the temporary distribution of Jynneos/Imvanex, a vaccine administered in two doses four weeks apart. The vaccination strategy will be primarily targeted at individuals at risk due to occupational exposure and/or lifestyle factors, via a circular that has yet to be issued.
It has not yet been demonstrated whether and to what extent the “old” smallpox vaccination, mandatory until the 1970s, is protective against Monkeypox.
updated on 07/26/2022_taken from https://healthypeers.it/ist/monkeypox/