On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, calling for a coordinated international response to slow the spread of disease. It is the second time in 2 years that WHO has taken this step, ranking monkeypox amongst 2 other diseases, COVID-19 and polio, that currently carry the classification. Past outbreaks of influenza A, Ebola, Zika, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) and yellow fever have all historically made the list.
On the heels of the declaration came concerning reports of over 20,000 cases of monkeypox in 71 countries where the disease is not endemic. Nearly 5,000 of these confirmed or suspected cases have occurred on U.S. soil, and public health experts are expressing significant concerns about capacity to effectively control the spread of this disease, an especially disheartening assessment in light of recent SARS-CoV-2 experiences.
How Do We Contain Monkeypox Outbreaks?
If the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's that timely and accurate diagnosis are critical to our ability to slow transmission of the virus. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which was a novel virus when it emerged in late 2019, monkeypox virus has been around for a bit. It is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and relative of smallpox. The virus was first discovered causing pox-like disease in laboratory monkeys in 1958 and the first case of human infection was reported in 1970. This means that previously developed diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies are available and expected to benefit current efforts to contain outbreaks.
Yet, a few noteworthy differences between current outbreaks and what has been historically observed in endemic countries, have generated important questions about the evolution of the virus, presentation and spread of disease. Public messaging about what to do if one comes in contact with the virus is, therefore, especially critical during this time. How is monkeypox diagnosed? When and where should one get tested? Can vaccines be administered after exposure?
When to Get Tested for Monkeypox
Contact your physician and seek testing if either of the following occurs:
- You have known exposure (have been in close contact) with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
- You develop symptoms of the disease.
