Is Monkeypox Contagious? Here's All You Need to Know About This New Public Health Emergency

Just when we thought we were nearing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, along came another health concern.

On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. Soon after, on July 29, the Department of Health (DOH) announced in a press release the first case of monkeypox in the country. Although, the DOH has been preparing for the situation for several months, more monkeypox cases are expected to surface in the Philippines in the following weeks. As of writing, over 18,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in 78 countries.

In the Western Pacific Region, the Philippines was the eighth country to report a case of monkeypox, after Australia, Singapore, China, New Zealand, Japan, New Caledonia, and Republic of Korea.

What is Monkeypox?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is a "rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus," which is part of the family of viruses that causes smallpox.

Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans from animals and, recently, to other humans. It was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research, the CDC added. Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970 in a 9-month-old baby living in Congo. Despite its name, the ultimate source of monkeypox is still unknown. 

What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, although less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, monkeypox has emerged as the most important “orthopoxvirus” for public health.

Symptoms mays start from one week to three weeks after the exposure, while symptoms may last from two to four weeks. The monkeypox symptoms include:

• Fever
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backaches
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nasal congestion

The first symptom is usually fever, four days after the onset of skin rashes. The rashes may develop on any part of the body, although most often on the face, hands, and groin area. They initially look like flat red spots before evolving into pus-filled blisters and scabs. They are expected to fall off over a period of two to four weeks.

It is worth noting that monkeypox and chickenpox are not related and should not be confused. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease and causes itchy, blister-like rash to appear on the chest, back, and face, before spreading over the entire body. It is common in children but can be found in adults who were not vaccinated against the disease.

One way to tell them apart is by looking more closely at the lesions: chickenpox causes thin-walled, fragile blisters filled with clear fluid that can break easily, whereas monkeypox lesions tend to evolve and form a small crater in the middle. Chickenpox lesions also wane in a short time, while monkeypox lesions tend to last up to a month.

Is Monkeypox Contagious?

Monkeypox is spread with contact with an infected animal or human. Animal-to-human transmission can happen through animal bites, wild game consummation, and direct contact with body fluids or rashes of animals. Person-to-person transmission occurs through contact with the sores, scabs, droplets or oral fluids of an infected person, usually in close, intimate situations like cuddling, sexual intercourse, or concerts. Individuals can spread monkeypox while they have symptoms, and the contagious phase stops when the rash and scabs heal.

While monkeypox is contagious, there are ways to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead animals
• Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus
• Thoroughly cook all meat
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid contact with people that are or might be infected
• Practice safe sex with known partners and use protection
• Wear a mask covering your mouth and nose around others
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Is There a Cure for Monkeypox?

No death was reported from monkeypox, but the disease can lead to other complications, such as pneumonia or brain infection.

Vaccination against monkeypox is currently not advised to the general public and there is no approved treatment for monkeypox. However, there are ways to attenuate the symptoms:

• Pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help you feel better.
• Oatmeal baths. Soaking in a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal can relieve the dry, itchy feeling of skin rashes.
• Isolate yourself. Avoid contact with others until your lesions have healed.
• Cover local lesions. Use gauze or bandages to limit the spread.
• Rest. It’s important to stay home and rest when you’re sick, wear a mask around others and drink plenty of fluids.
• Seek medical care in case of worsening symptoms. Go to the ER if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, difficulty speaking or moving, seizures, stiff neck, loss of consciousness.