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This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency. Here’s what you need to know about this viral infection.
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Monkeypox (MPX) is a virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus of viruses. You will recognize related viruses, including:
Scientists documented the first human cases of monkeypox in 1970. Since then, rare cases have been confined to central and western Africa. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now reports that 77 countries have confirmed MPX cases.
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In the US, the CDC has reported over 4,630 cases. Montana and Wyoming are the only states without confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases. Watch the nationwide map and case count on the CDC’s website for updates.
There are two common clades (strains) that nurses should know. They are currently named after the region most commonly affected by the clade, but some experts suggest renaming them to reduce geographic stigma.
The MPX virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions. People can also become infected by touching bed linens or clothing used by someone with the virus.
Research suggests that airborne particulates can also spread the virus through prolonged face-to-face contact or intimate physical contact like kissing or sex. Routes of entry include oropharynx, nasopharynx, and intradermal.
Pregnant women who become infected may also transmit the virus to their babies.
A person is considered infectious from the onset of illness until all lesions have crusted over.
The virus can spread from human to human or from animal to human. Rodents and primates may be carriers. A monkeypox outbreak in 2003 started with infected animals that were shipped to Texas from Ghana. The incubation period for MPX is between 1–2 weeks and 21 days from exposure.
99% of confirmed cases in the US have been among gay or bisexual men. This pattern matches what we see globally. Health authorities worldwide say that reported MPX cases are overwhelmingly in men who have sex with men — disproportionately in those with multiple sex partners or who attend events where people have sex with strangers.
However, experts warn that the virus will likely spread to other groups. The first two pediatric cases in the US were confirmed last week.
Scientists say monkeypox is far less transmissible than the coronavirus that causes covid-19, which was also placed on the WHO’s highest alert level in January 2020.
The typical presentation for the MPX virus is flu-like. Individuals may experience symptoms including:
Lymphadenopathy is significant in MPX infection because measles and chickenpox do not cause swollen lymph nodes. Therefore this sign is a key indicator for diagnosis.
Health officials also note that the most recent MPX cases involved genital rashes that could be mistaken for syphilis or herpes.
More than 20,630 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 77 countries this year, most of those in countries that don’t typically see the virus.
In the US, the first case reported in this current outbreak can be traced back to May 18, 2022. As of July 27, 2022, more than 3500 cases were confirmed by the CDC.
To date, there have been zero reported MPX deaths in the US.
The public can prevent MPX spread by following these recommendations:
Nurses and other healthcare workers caring for infected patients or persons under investigation (PUIs) for MPX should wear the following PPE:
Healthcare facilities should have precautions in place to isolate persons with suspected infections.
Since MPX is related to the smallpox virus, the US has vaccines and antiviral drugs that can fight the virus. Yet, it is still hard to get a monkeypox treatment, and labs have limited testing capacity.
The US can currently handle 80,000 tests per week with public health laboratories and the commercial sector.
Vaccines are being used for prevention in high-risk individuals (such as healthcare workers treating MPX cases) and for post-exposure management. Vaccines must be given within four days of exposure for the best chance of preventing infection. They may limit disease severity if given within 4-14 days.
The WHO has said that mass vaccination is not recommended at this time. Instead, doctors should make treatment decisions by weighing risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis.
Here is a look at the three most common MPX treatments.
The FDA has licensed the JYNNEOS vaccine to treat smallpox and monkeypox in people 18 years and older. It is administered in two subcutaneous injections, four weeks apart. According to the CDC, It is about 85% effective. However, there is a JYNNEOS shortage. As a result, manufacturers have ramped up production and expect almost 800,000 doses to be available for distribution by August.
An older vaccine called ACAM2000 is approved for smallpox, and there is an ample supply. However, ACAM2000 contains live vaccinia virus. Hence, healthcare providers should not give it to people with the following conditions:
It can cause serious side effects.
Tpoxx, or tecovirimat, is an antiviral approved for orthopoxvirus-associated infections that can be used to treat MPX. Unfortunately, doctors have had trouble prescribing it. The CDC and FDA recently announced a new protocol to make it easier for doctors to get Tpoxx for their patients. The Expanded Access Investigational New Drug protocol (EA-IND) requires providers to consult with the CDC or their state/local health department to prescribe it.
Healthcare workers, military personnel, or other individuals who were previously vaccinated against monkeypox may still have some immunity against MPX.
The outbreak’s rapid spread has prompted the World Health Organization to declare the highest level warning: a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The White House and US health officials are considering a similar declaration. Doing so would potentially allow increased regulatory flexibilities and access to funding for testing, treatment and vaccination.
The White House is also working to appoint a National Monkeypox Coordinator to manage the US MPX response. The coordinator would lead the epidemic response and government operations, similar to Fauci and coronavirus.
A leader would be responsible for coordinating among agencies, including:
A national coordinator would help direct public policy until the outbreak is contained.
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