It is a viral infection that affects animals and, occasionally, can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which originated in the tropical areas of the central and occidental African jungle.
The transmission between humans is produced by direct contact with skin lesions, saliva, respiratory drops in close face-to-face contacts, contaminated materials such as bed linen.
Initially, the symptoms are fever, intense general discomfort, headache and lumbar pain. During its second stage, vesicles or blister-like lesions appear on the skin. Contrary to the common known smallpox virus, they don't turn into pustules and crusts, they maintain their blister-like state. The lesions usually start on the mouth and mucous membrane, extending towards the trunk and limbs. The eruption appears alongside a disseminated inflammation of the lymph nodes.
The diagnosis is clinical and done through questioning and the physical exploration of the lesions. It is confirmed by doing a culture of the lesion, laboratory testing (polymer chain reaction or immunohistochemical staining) or through an electronic microscope.
Currently, there is no specific treatment so for now, it is based on correct hydration and analgesia for symptom control. Even though its efficacy is not confirmed, antivirals such as Tecoviramat, Cidofivir and Brincidovir can be useful. The monkeypox vaccine is considered to be effective for its prevention.
