Monkeypox In Belize: Understanding The Outbreak

As of May 2022, monkeypox had spread to several countries outside of Africa, including Mexico, Argentina, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and several nations across Europe and North America. While there were concerns about the outbreak reaching Belize due to increased international travel, there were no confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country at that time. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in Belize was monitoring the situation closely and urged anyone developing a rash or symptoms associated with monkeypox to seek medical attention.

Monkeypox symptoms and treatment

Monkeypox is a viral disease in the same family as smallpox. It was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, and the first human case was diagnosed in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Monkeypox is most common in Central and West Africa, but in May 2022, an outbreak was reported outside of Africa.

Symptoms

Monkeypox symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2-4 weeks
• Bumps that scab over
• Painful rash that may start in the pubic area, genitals, or around the anus
• Bumps that look like blisters, pus-filled bumps, or open sores
• Trouble breathing (in serious cases)

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Doctors will likely recommend rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms and prevent serious complications. Antivirals and the smallpox vaccine may also be used to control an outbreak.

If you think you have been exposed to monkeypox, it is important to monitor your symptoms for 21 days and contact your doctor for instructions.

Monkeypox transmission

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus in the orthopoxvirus group, which includes smallpox. The virus was first identified in monkeys in 1958, but it is more commonly found in rodents and other animals. It has been the cause of periodic outbreaks since the 1970s in Central and West Africa, where the virus has been found in several animal species.

Monkeypox can be transmitted in several ways. Firstly, it can spread through direct contact with infected wild animals, such as through hunting or trapping infected animals. Secondly, it can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, including intimate or sexual contact. This can involve direct skin-to-skin contact with the monkeypox rash or scabs, as well as contact with saliva, respiratory secretions, and bodily fluids or lesions. The virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions. Additionally, monkeypox can be transmitted by contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing, bedding, towels, or eating utensils.

While monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. This includes oral, anal, or vaginal sex, as well as touching genital or anal areas. The virus likely transmits most efficiently when lesions come into contact with mucus membranes in these areas. However, it's important to note that monkeypox can also spread through non-sexual close contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing personal items.

To prevent the spread of monkeypox, it is recommended to avoid close contact with infected individuals or animals. Isolating oneself if infected and covering any sores or rashes is crucial to prevent further transmission. Additionally, disinfecting objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been in contact with an infected person can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

In summary, monkeypox transmission primarily occurs through close, personal contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as exposure to contaminated materials. It is important to follow public health guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Monkeypox in Mexico

As of August 2022, Mexico has reported 252 confirmed cases of monkeypox, with one death. The first case in Mexico was reported on May 27, 2022, in Mexico City, which also had the highest number of positive cases. Cases have been identified in 20 Mexican states, with 94% of cases being detected in men.

By July 2022, Mexico had confirmed 60 cases of monkeypox, with no fatalities, according to Hugo Lopez-Gatell, the Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion. Lopez-Gatell also stated that only about five or six people had been hospitalized due to severe immunosuppression, but that, in general, everyone recovered within approximately 21 days.

Monkeypox has been a cause for concern in the LGBT community in Mexico, with LGBT activists demanding better attention to the disease in the country. During the Conference on Health, Human Rights, and Care for Gay Men in Latin America and the Caribbean, held in August 2022, leaders of different groups from the LGBT community decided to prepare the Mexico Declaration, claiming that sufficient actions have not been implemented to prevent monkeypox while infections continue to rise in homosexual and bisexual men.

Belize's response to the threat of monkeypox

Belize's Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is closely monitoring the spread of monkeypox in other countries. While there have been no reported cases in Belize as of May 2022, the MOHW is on high alert and urges anyone who develops a rash or symptoms associated with the illness to seek medical attention immediately.

The country's health authorities are taking the threat seriously, as international travel has increased, and there is a possibility of the virus reaching Belize. According to epidemiologist Dr. Russell Manzanero, while some cases may appear in Belize and the Caribbean, the impact may not be as severe as in other regions due to existing immunity from previous vaccinations.

Belize is following the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidance and recommendations to manage the threat. The WHO has issued a Disease Outbreak News update to raise awareness and guide response efforts. The organization emphasizes that the risk to the general public is low, and the situation is evolving. The WHO advises that immediate actions should focus on providing accurate information to at-risk groups, stopping further spread among these groups, and protecting frontline health workers.

Belize is also acquiring Monkeypox vaccines to prepare for any potential cases. The country's response aligns with the WHO's call for collective action to stop the outbreak and prevent the establishment of monkeypox as a human pathogen.

Monkeypox vaccines

The US Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine for both smallpox and monkeypox in 2019. This vaccine, branded as Jynneos in the US, is made using a live virus called modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) that elicits a potent protective response without being able to reproduce in human cells. Jynneos has significantly fewer side effects than its predecessor, ACAM2000, which was a live virus vaccine with good protective effects against smallpox and monkeypox but could reproduce inside human cells.

The complete regimen for both the Jynneos and ACAM2000 vaccines typically includes two doses given two or four weeks apart. Two doses provide the best protection, with maximum protection achieved two weeks after the second dose. It is important to note that receiving a vaccine up to four days after exposure to monkeypox can prevent the onset of the disease, while getting vaccinated up to two weeks after exposure can help reduce symptoms.

The US government has been working to increase vaccine access and improve distribution. As of August 2022, the US government had shipped more than 602,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to states, enough to provide about 550,000 people with the recommended two doses. However, approximately 1.6 million people are considered high risk for infection. The government has also ordered an additional 2.5 million doses, with 1.9 million expected to arrive before the end of 2022.

The CDC provides guidelines on who should receive the monkeypox vaccine. Individuals who are at higher risk include gay, bisexual, and other same-gender-loving men who have intimate contact with multiple partners or anonymous partners, as well as those who have had intimate contact with someone who may have monkeypox. It is recommended that individuals in these categories get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves from the disease.

Frequently asked questions