Monkeypox, also known as monkeypox, is an emerging zoonotic disease that has captured global attention in recent years due to its potential to cause outbreaks beyond the boundaries of its natural habitat. The disease, initially confined to rural areas of central and west Africa, has recently been observed in several countries, raising concerns about its global spread.
The virus that causes Monkeypox belongs to the Poxviridae family, the same as the human smallpox virus, although Monkeypox symptoms are usually less severe. It can be transmitted to humans from various animals, but it can also spread from person to person. This complexity in transmission routes makes managing Monkeypox outbreaks particularly difficult, particularly in areas where health systems are fragile.
Zoonotic transmission: from animals to humans
The main route of transmission of Monkeypox is zoonotic, meaning it occurs through contact between humans and infected animals. The Monkeypox virus is naturally present in several animal species, mainly rodents such as squirrels, Gambian rats, and certain non-human primates. Transmission to humans generally occurs through bites, scratches, or direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. Eating undercooked wild animal meat, a common practice in parts of Africa, also poses a significant risk of transmitting the virus to humans.
In areas where the virus is endemic, populations living near tropical forests are most exposed. Close interaction with wild animals and activities such as hunting significantly increase the risk of infection. However, even outside endemic areas, the importation of infected animals can represent a source of danger. For example, in 2003, a Monkeypox outbreak in the United States was linked to the importation of infected Gambian rats, which then transmitted the virus to prairie dogs, which then infected humans.
Human-to-human transmission: a growing risk
Although zoonotic transmission is the initial mode of infection, Monkeypox can also spread from person to person, although this route is less efficient. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated objects, such as sheets, clothing or utensils that have been in contact with an infected patient. It is important to note that, unlike chickenpox, monkeypox is not particularly contagious through the air, which somewhat limits its spread in human populations.
The risk of transmission is particularly high in settings where people are in close contact for an extended period of time, such as in family homes or health centers. Healthcare workers, particularly those who lack appropriate personal protective equipment, are at increased risk. Recent outbreaks outside Africa have highlighted the importance of this transmission route, especially as the virus appears capable of spreading in non-endemic populations.
Prevention and control of the spread of Monkeypox
To prevent the transmission of Monkeypox, several measures can be put in place. In endemic areas, it is crucial to limit contact with animals likely to carry the virus. This includes avoiding hunting and eating meat from wild animals, as well as improving cooking practices. Awareness campaigns are also essential to inform local populations of the risks and precautions to take.
In areas where human cases have been confirmed, quarantining infected people, using protective equipment for healthcare workers, and rigorous disinfection of contaminated objects are crucial measures. Vaccines, including those developed for smallpox, offer some protection against Monkeypox, although their use is generally reserved for high-risk groups due to potential side effects.
