On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). What is a PHEIC, and can monkeypox statistics suggest a course of action for us?
We reviewed the latest information from the WHO, CDC, and PubMed to summarize the statistics.
Highlights:
- Monkeypox is related to smallpox; symptoms are similar to flu/cold symptoms, along with a rash.
- Healthcare workers are administering vaccines for smallpox as protection against monkeypox.
- Monkeypox has spread to over 70 countries.
- The countries with the most significant cases of monkeypox are Spain, the United States, and Germany.
- The American states with the most significant cases of monkeypox are New York, California, and Florida.
What is a PHEIC?
Below is the definition of a PHEIC, as stated by WHO.
This WHO label signifies that the circumstances are:
- Sudden, severe, unusual, or unexpected
- Implies concern for public health beyond the affected territory’s national border
- May necessitate immediate international action
Note the video from Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, when he declares this PHEIC. He stresses international cooperation to adopt measures to protect the health of communities.
Monkeypox – What is it?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines monkeypox as a rare disease caused when you become infected with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox and is from the same virus family as smallpox.
Symptoms
According to the Annals of Medicine & Surgery of London, symptoms of monkeypox include:
- Fever: a temperature greater than 100.4 F (38C)
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth sores, sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backaches
- Chills or sweats and exhaustion
The following images provide visual examples of monkeypox rash:
Monkeypox transmission and prevention
How is monkeypox transmitted? According to the CDC, the virus generally spreads from person-to-person or person-to-object contact. This transmission includes:
- Touching and coming into contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face, or close physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, holding an infected person, or intercourse
- Touching an item, such as clothing or linens, that previously had contact with the infectious rash or body fluids
- Pregnant individuals can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
- Infected animals that scratch or bite you
- Eating the meat of an infected animal
Monkeypox prevention tips from the CDC include:
- Prevent skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
- Do not touch the towels, bedding, or clothing of an individual with monkeypox
- Wash hands frequently, scrubbing with soap, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with rodents and primates in Central and West Africa
If you think you have been in contact with someone with monkeypox or have the symptoms of monkeypox, isolate yourself at home and contact your health care provider right away.
Monkeypox vaccines and treatment
There are no current vaccines for monkeypox. However, the CDC recommends two currently licensed vaccines in the United States to prevent smallpox. They are ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex).
The CDC suggests the vaccine be administered within four days of exposure to prevent the disease’s onset. If provided between 4–14 days after being exposed, vaccination may reduce the symptoms of the disease but may not prevent the disease
Who should get the vaccines, according to the CDC?
The CDC recommends vaccination for people exposed to or are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox, including:
- People who public health officials have identified as a contact of someone with monkeypox
- People exposed to monkeypox, such as:
- People who recognize that one of their sexual partners in the past 14 days has tested positive for monkeypox
- People who’ve had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days in an area with known monkeypox
- People whose work may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as:
- Laboratory workers who perform testing for orthopoxviruses
- Laboratory workers who handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses
- Some designated healthcare or public health workers
The Annals of Medicine & Surgery of London reported that healthcare facilities administer smallpox antivirals for monkeypox prevention.
Monkeypox statistics
As of July 22, 2022, the CDC reports 16,836 cases in 74 countries.
- 16,593 cases are in countries that have not historically reported monkeypox
- 243 cases are in countries that have traditionally reported monkeypox
- 68 are in countries that have not historically reported monkeypox
- Six are in countries that have typically reported monkeypox
Top 20 monkeypox cases by country
The countries with the most significant cases of monkeypox are Spain, the United States, and Germany.
United States monkeypox cases by state
As of July 24, 2022, the states with the most significant cases of monkeypox are New York, California, and Florida.
Where these monkeypox statistics helpful?
The media brought the world’s attention to the WHO declaration of monkeypox as an international concern. The propagation of the disease has been increasing all over the world. Continue to check with StatsFind for the latest statistics on the disease.
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The information contained in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or health objectives.
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Kay W
Monkeypox is terrible
thomas
OK, I’ve seen them all
Kay W
Hopefully, the spread of monkeypox can be controlled soon
Jessie W
The hope is that everyone will be vaccinated
Kay W
Hopefully we can get it under control soon