All You Need to Know About Monkeypox

Highlighting the need for coordinated international efforts to curb the virus, this declaration also serves as a cautionary note for UAE residents. 
If you’re concerned and want to know more about this monkeypox virus in UAE, let’s take a closer look at its symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In case of any concerns, connect with a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

What is Monkeypox?

It is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox. However, it’s worth noting that monkeypox symptoms are generally milder. 

The disease spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected individual’s skin, bodily fluids, or through contaminated objects like clothing or bedding. It can also spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or handling animals that carry the virus.

The natural hosts of the monkeypox virus in UAE are believed to be small mammals. Evidence of infection has been found in various species across the world, including — 

1. Squirrels
2. Gambian pouched rats
3. Dormice
4. Different species of monkeys

Variants of Monkeypox 

Monkeypox in UAE has two main genetic clades — 

1. Clade I: Primarily found in Central Africa, this monkeypox virus clade is associated with severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate. Clade I is known for the monkeypox virus outbreak in 2024, particularly in regions with less access to healthcare. 
2. Clade II: This clade, which includes subclades like lla and llb, has been responsible for the monkeypox virus outbreak in 2022. Clade II tends to cause milder monkeypox symptoms and has a lower mortality rate compared to clade I.

Which Regions are Most Affected by Monkeypox Virus in 2024?

Given below is a breakdown of the current global situation of mpox — 

1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): The country remains the hardest hit, accounting for approximately 96% of all monkeypox virus cases in Africa. This includes both the older clades and the newer clade 1 strain .
2. Africa (Other Countries): Countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have also reported cases of the newer clade. This has raised concerns about its spread in regions that previously did not have documented cases .
3. United States: The U.S. has reported around 1,399 monkeypox cases of various mpox strains in 2024.
4. Europe: Countries like Sweden have reported isolated cases of the newer strain linked to travel in Africa .
5. Asia: Countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines have also reported new mpox cases in 2024.
    

How is the Monkeypox Virus in UAE Impacting Residents?

In 2024, no new monkeypox cases in the UAE were reported. 

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has asked residents to follow simple precautions to stay safe. This includes washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who may have symptoms, and reporting any signs of the disease to health authorities. 

While there are no travel restrictions related to monkeypox virus in UAE till now, the MoHAP continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to respond if necessary.

Key Difference Between Monkeypox Virus in 2022 and Monkeypox Virus in 2024

To understand the difference between the monkeypox virus disease outbreak in 2022 and 2024, we can look at the different viral strains involved and how the disease has evolved — 

1. Virus Clades

2022 Monkeypox Virus Outbreak: Primarily caused by Clade II, specifically Clade IIb. This clade led to widespread global transmission, particularly among men. The symptoms were generally milder, and the case fatality rate was relatively low.

2024 Monkeypox Virus Outbreak: In 2024, the focus of monkeypox has shifted to Clade I, which has been primarily spreading in Central and East Africa. This clade is associated with more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate compared to Clade II. 

2. Transmission

2022: Transmission was largely human-to-human, with most cases occurring through close contact, particularly within sexual networks.

2024: While person-to-person transmission continues, there is increased zoonotic transmission in Africa. This means the virus is also spreading from animals to humans, especially in areas with poor access to healthcare.

3. Geographical Spread

2022: The outbreak saw cases in over 109 countries. The majority of cases occurred outside Africa where mpox was not traditionally seen.

2024: Clade I remains concentrated in Africa, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. However, there is concern about the potential spread of the monkeypox virus beyond these regions.  

Monkeypox Virus Timeline (1958-2024)

1. 1958: Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in monkeys kept for research purposes in Denmark. This is why the virus was named ‘monkeypox’ — the exact animal reservoir remains unknown.
2. 1970: The first human case of monkeypox virus was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This case occurred during intensified surveillance for smallpox, which was being eradicated at the time.
3. 2003: The first monkeypox virus disease outbreak outside Africa occurred in 2003 in the United States. The outbreak was linked to imported animals, specifically pet prairie dogs that had been housed with infected African rodents.
4. 2017-2019: Between 2017 and 2019, Nigeria experienced a significant monkeypox virus outbreak, with numerous cases reported. This marked a resurgence of the virus in a country where it had not been seen for decades.
5. 2022: In 2022, monkeypox spread globally, leading to thousands of cases in over 100 countries. The outbreak was largely driven by Clade IIb of the virus, which spread primarily through human-to-human contact.
6. 2024: In 2024, a more severe strain of monkeypox — Clade I — has spread in Central and East Africa. This strain has a higher mortality rate and is associated with more severe monkeypox symptoms compared to previous outbreaks.

Monkeypox Symptoms and Signs

Given below is an overview of the symptoms of monkeypox as observed in 2024. 

These symptoms generally start within one to two weeks after exposure, although they can also appear as late as three weeks —- 

1. Rash: Often the first noticeable monkeypox symptom, the rash usually starts as flat sores that turn into fluid-filled blisters. The latter can appear on the face, palms, soles of the feet, mouth, throat, genitals, and other areas.
2. Fever: A sudden onset of fever is common, generally before the rash appears
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling around the neck, underarms, or groin areas
4. Headache and Muscle Aches: Accompanied by general body weakness and fatigue
5. Back Pain: Common among those with more severe monkeypox symptoms
6. Sore Throat: Some may experience throat discomfort, making swallowing difficult

How Does Monkeypox Virus Progress?

1. The rash usually evolves over 2-4 weeks, transitioning from macules to papules, vesicles, and pustules before crusting over and falling off.
2. In some cases, complications such as secondary bacterial infections, dehydration, or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) may arise.

What is Severity and Recovery Time in Monkeypox?

While most people recover in 2-4 weeks, some may need hospitalisation for more severe monkeypox symptoms in UAE.

How is Monkeypox Transmitted?

Monkeypox virus in UAE and any other country can be transmitted through several key ways — 

 

1. Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: Touching the rash, sores, or scabs of someone infected with mpox is one of the most common ways the monkeypox virus spreads. Close physical contact, such as hugging or handshakes, can transmit the virus.
2. Respiratory Secretions: Prolonged face-to-face contact with someone who is infected can lead to transmission through respiratory droplets, especially in settings where people live together.
3. Contaminated Objects: The virus can survive on materials like clothing, bedding, and towels. Touching these items, especially if they have been contaminated with bodily fluids, can result in the transmission of the monkeypox virus in UAE.
4. Sexual or Intimate Contact: Mpox can also spread through intimate contact, including sexual activity and kissing. Although not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be passed during close physical contact.
5. Animal-to-Human Transmission: Monkeypox virus in UAE can also spread from animals to humans, particularly in regions where people hunt, skin, or cook animals that carry the virus like rodents or primates.

How to Prevent Monkeypox Virus in UAE?

To prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus in UAE, it is essential to follow these preventive measures — 

1. Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people who have a visible rash or any symptoms of mpox. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sexual activity with someone who is infected.
2. Practise Good Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after contact with potentially contaminated items. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
3. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and items that may be contaminated such as bedding, towels, and clothing. This is especially important if someone in your home is infected.
4. Isolate Infected Individuals: If you or someone you know is infected, isolate in a separate room, use separate household items, and avoid close contact with others until fully recovered.

How to Diagnose Monkeypox Virus in the UAE?

To diagnose monkeypox (mpox) in the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has outlined several steps:

1. Symptoms and Clinical Examination: If you have monkeypox symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, seek immediate medical attention. Healthcare providers will assess these monkeypox symptoms and may request laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis.
2. Laboratory Testing: The primary diagnostic method is PCR testing, usually done with samples taken from skin lesions, respiratory samples, or blood. The UAE health system is equipped for early detection through these methods.
3. Contact Health Authorities: If you suspect you have mpox, contact MoHAP or visit the nearest healthcare facility under the Emirates Health Services (EHS). You can also call the MoHAP helpline number — 800 8877 — for guidance.
4. Reporting and Surveillance: All healthcare facilities are required to report any suspected monkeypox cases in the UAE to the relevant health authorities for swift action. MoHAP has set up a comprehensive system for monitoring and managing monkeypox virus in the UAE.

Self-Care Tips for Managing Monkeypox Virus in the UAE 

If you’re diagnosed with monkeypox virus in the UAE, you can follow the given self-care tips — 

1. Regularly sanitise your hands, especially after touching contaminated surfaces or objects
2. Stay in a separate room away from others until your symptoms improve to avoid spreading the infection
3. Keep skin lesions covered with clothing or bandages to prevent contamination
4. Resist the urge to scratch rashes or blisters to reduce the risk of secondary infections
5. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help your body recover
6. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops
7. Don’t share personal items like towels, bedding, or dishes with others
8. If you need to be around others, wear a medical mask to minimise the spread of respiratory droplets
9. You may use over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to manage symptoms such as fever and body aches
10. Get plenty of rest and monitor your symptoms closely — contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen

High-Risk Groups in Monkeypox Virus in UAE

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing severe monkeypox symptoms if infected with mpox — 

1. Children: Young children, especially those under the age of 8, are more susceptible to severe complications from mpox. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the monkeypox virus. 
2. Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group because the virus can be transmitted to the foetus through the placenta. This can lead to complications, including premature birth or foetal loss.
3. Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV, or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more likely to experience severe monkeypox symptoms and complications. 
4. Elderly: Older adults are also at higher risk of severe outcomes due to the natural decline in immune function with age. 

Travel Restrictions Due to Monkeypox Virus in UAE in 2024

Currently, there are no specific travel restrictions due to the monkeypox virus in the UAE. 

However, MoHAP recommends that travellers should follow general preventive measures to reduce the risk of exposure. These include regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and staying informed about any updates through official channels. 

Travellers are advised to be cautious in large gatherings and should seek medical advice immediately if they develop monkeypox symptoms after returning from an affected area .

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