The Ministry of Health would like to provide an update on the multi-country Monkeypox outbreak reported recently in the media. This viral disease has previously occurred mainly in parts of Africa, but recently has been found in 14 countries outside of Africa that do not usually have it.
The first case outside of Africa was reported in the UK on 7 May in a patient who had recently travelled to Nigeria, where they are believed to have caught the virus before travelling to England.
Two cases were confirmed in Australia as of 23 May, with two other suspected cases under investigation. Both confirmed cases in Australia had recent travel history to Europe.
As of 23 May 2022, there had been more than 100 confirmed cases of monkeypox in countries in Europe and well as in the US, Canada, Australia, Israel and others. More cases are under investigation in other countries.
Transmission and symptoms
Monkeypox has previously occurred mostly in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, and has occasionally been exported to other regions. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the now eradicated smallpox virus.
Anyone can catch monkeypox especially if they have travelled to countries with cases. Monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets of an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus such as bedding.
The time from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.
The typical feature of monkeypox is a rash with blisters on face, hand, mouth and genital.
The symptoms also include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Headache
- Tiredness, fatigue
Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness. It is usually a self-limited disease, most people recovered without specific treatment, with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.
Medical complications can occur, such as:
- Secondary infections
- Bronchopneumonia
- Sepsis
- Encephalitis
- Eye infection with loss of vision
Based on current available information for this outbreak, cases have mainly but not exclusively been identified amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking care in primary care and sexual health clinics.
No deaths have been reported to date for the current outbreak. In recent times, the proportion of those infected who die is around 3-6%.
Prevention and treatment
So far, one vaccine has been approved for prevention of monkeypox (MVA-BN) and is not yet widely available. WHO is working with the manufacturer to improve access.
Monkeypox symptoms often resolve on their own without the need for treatment. It is important to take care of the rash by letting it dry if possible or covering it with a moist dressing to protect the area if needed. Avoid touching any sores in the mouth or eyes. An antiviral treatment developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox (Tecovirimat).
Implications for Vanuatu
There is currently no known and immediate public health threat from monkeypox in Vanuatu. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the global and regional situation, noting that surveillance for monkeypox is still limited and the full extent of the outbreak is not yet known.
It is highly likely that further cases will be identified in affected countries with unidentified chains of transmission, including in other population groups. It is also highly likely that other, as yet unaffected countries will also identify cases in the coming weeks given the spread of cases to date.
The Ministry of Health are taking actions to ensure staff at health facilities in Vanuatu are on the alert for patients that may present with symptoms of monkeypox. Surveillance systems are being strengthened for rapid detection of monkeypox and other infectious diseases.
Actions
Vanuatu currently has no cases of monkeypox. However, those with recent travel history to countries with monkeypox and those they have been in contact with are urged to be particularly vigilant for symptoms.
If you think you may be infected with monkeypox, seek urgent medical assistance. Go to your nearest health facility.
The Ministry of Health will provide further updates on monkey pox if needed, as the situation evolves.