7 Things Nurses Should Know About Monkeypox

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It is milder than smallpox and rarely fatal. Although the name is similar, it is not related to chickenpox.

Historically, the condition has been reported in several African countries. Recently the illness was reported more frequently in other countries, including over 13,000 cases in the U.S. Read on for crucial information to help inform your nursing care.

The orthopoxvirus, which primarily affects people in the tropical rainforest of central and west Africa, causes monkeypox. It is often a self-limiting disease transmitted by close contact with someone with lesions.

The clinical presentation resembles smallpox, but is less contagious and causes less severe illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the global monkeypox outbreak. You may view the number of worldwide cases and deaths based on location.

The World Health Organization (WHO) believes they can limit the spread. The WHO believes it will not grow to the proportions of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

Adults and children can contract monkeypox. There are a limited number of children reported with the illness. However, historical data from other countries indicate that children may be prone to more severe illnesses than adolescents and adults.

According to the WHO, the monkeypox virus spreads through close contact with someone who has the monkeypox rash. This includes skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin, and sexual contact.

However, while data from 16 countries showed 95% of the cases were transmitted through sexual contact, this is not the only transmission mode. In that study, 95% had the rash, and 73% had anogenital lesions.

The WHO believes transmission may also happen from interaction with inanimate objects that came into contact with lesion fluid. This includes:

Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus that can infect rodents and primates. Thus far, there is no documented spread to pets (dogs, cats, or hamsters) or livestock.

Before May 2022, monkeypox circulated for decades in regions of Africa. This circulation was without clear evidence of transmission through semen or vaginal fluid. The current spread disproportionately affects men who have sex with men.

At this time there is only one FDA-approved test. It is the Non-variola Orthopoxvirus Real-time PCR Primer and Probe Set that only CDC-designated labs can use.

This PCR test does not use blood, nasal swabs, or saliva. Instead, the test involves a swab of the monkeypox lesion.

The American Society for Microbiology recommends that patients contact their healthcare provider if they were exposed through close contact with a person diagnosed with monkeypox, or if they develop symptoms.

Although the WHO has declared a public health emergency, testing and vaccination distribution are not firmly established. Patients should call their primary care provider or the public health department for information about testing locations in their city.

The CDC finds that transmission in healthcare settings is rare. They recommend following infection control and prevention guidelines established in 2007. These guidelines aim to prevent the transmission of infectious agents inside healthcare facilities.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling any bodily fluids, or risk fluids spraying in your eyes, mouth, or nose. You can also use masks, goggles, and face shields during procedures, or extreme care where a patient is likely to generate fluid.

Use gowns and gloves when handling bedding, patient care equipment, or instruments and devices that have contacted bodily fluid.

There are a variety of symptoms that often last no more than four weeks and resolve with only supportive care. The monkeypox incubation period is up to 21 days after exposure to an infected individual.

The illness begins with flu-like symptoms, including:

A rash with lesions also occurs, often near the genitals. However, the rash can occur over the hands, feet, chest, face, and mouth.

Some people get the flu-like symptoms first and then the rash. In others, the rash appears first. In some cases, people may have only a rash.

A person is infectious from the time they have symptoms until all the scabs have fallen off. You can help prevent the spread of monkeypox by avoiding close contact with anyone while you are sick with flu-like symptoms or have skin lesions.

The CDC recommends that if you are diagnosed with monkeypox you should notify anyone with whom you had close contact. This includes anyone with whom you had any type of sexual contact, hugged, cuddled, or kissed. Notify anyone with whom you shared utensils, bedding, or other objects that may have contacted your skin.

There is no specific FDA-approved treatment for monkeypox. The type of treatment depend on the severity of the illness. The CDC says that most people recover without medical treatment.

You can take several steps to care for yourself if you get monkeypox:

Since smallpox and monkeypox are genetically similar, vaccine researchers may use smallpox vaccines to prevent monkeypox infections. There are two — Jynneos and Acam2000 — which the government has stockpiled.

The CDC recommends vaccinations for a limited number of people with potential exposure or who may have a higher risk of contracting the virus. For example, you may be eligible for vaccination if you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox, including a sexual partner.

Contact your local health department or primary care provider if you are eligible for a vaccine. The CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination during this outbreak.