Week 6: Treatment

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa. CDC is recommending that persons investigating monkeypox outbreaks and involved in caring for infected individuals or animals should receive a smallpox vaccination to protect against monkeypox. 

Persons who have had close or intimate contact with individuals or animals confirmed to have monkeypox should also be vaccinated. These persons can be vaccinated up to 14 days after exposure. CDC is not recommending preexposure vaccination for unexposed veterinarians, veterinary staff, or animal control officers, unless such persons are involved in field investigations.

Vaccination with vaccinia virus (i.e. the smallpox vaccine) results in a significant amount of protection against infection with monkey pox. Still, the vaccine is currently not used in monkeypox-endemic areas due to the concerns about severe adverse events in an immunocompromised population. Furthermore, the eradication of monkeypox is not feasible because of the existence of an animal reservoir.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pre-exposure vaccination for individuals investigating animal or human monkeypox cases, people with the direct contact with animals that could carry the pathogen, health care workers taking care of the patients with monkeypox and laboratory workers who handle specimens that may contain this virus.

Close contact with patients during the disease outbreak represents the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. As specific treatment and vaccine are lacking, raising awareness about the risk factors and proper education about preventive measures are the only efficient ways to reduce the burden of this disease.

References: 
Monkeypox. (2011, February 1). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs161/en/
 Updated Interim Infection Control and Exposure Management Guidance in the Health-Care and Community Setting for Patients with Possible Monkeypox Virus Infection. (2008, September 5). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox/infectioncontrol.htm