Could monkeypox be the next pandemic?

In May of 2022, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) announced a rare monkeypox outbreak in the United Kingdom. Soon after the W.H.O. announced additional outbreaks in non-endemic countries. But what is monkeypox and could it be the next pandemic? Read on...

Monkeypox is an infectious DNA virus that was first discovered in humans in 1970, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.). It was first observed in lab monkeys in Denmark in 1958. It is believed that the virus originated in the D.R.C.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic poxvirus which can be found in humans and animals. Signs include flu-like symptoms, headache and fatigue, plus chickenpox like breakouts. These are usually found behind the ear, jaw, neck and groin. Then lesions appear on the hands and feet.

The rash typically lasts around 10 days, with some people feeling ill for 2-4 weeks, and many being left with dark scars. Complications include pneumonia, sepsis and eye infections.

Monkeypox can spread from human to human through close contact and intercourse. It can spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with lesions or bodily fluids.

Until 2022, no human to human transmission had ever been documented. There had only been animal to human transmissions through pet guinea pigs and rats. However in May of 2022 a British resident returned from Nigeria with monkeypox and community spread began in London.

Today there are 4 countries where monkeypox is endemic: Cameroon, Central African Republic, D.R.C. and Nigeria. However there are now reported cases in 12 non-endemic countries as well, including Canada, U.K. and the U.S.A.

Reports on the risk of death due to monkeypox state that if left untreated, mortality can be as high as 10-11%.

Currently there is no monkeypox vaccine, however the small pox vaccine does seem to lessen the risk of infection with 85% effectiveness. The only treatment for monkeypox is an antiviral called Tecovirimat which is for orthopoxviruses.

Seeing a sudden shift in a virus that for decades had only spread through animals, indicates the potential for a wider outbreak than ever known about this virus before.