Monkeypox Treatment: Understanding the Options for Care

Vaccines and Medications Help Break the Chain of Transmission

As monkeypox cases continue to spread globally, healthcare providers and public health officials are working hard to treat those affected and limit further transmission. While monkeypox is rarely life-threatening, the rash and lesions caused by the virus can be extremely painful. Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and shorten the illness period to help break the chain of transmission in communities.

Vaccination Following Exposure

For those exposed to monkeypox through close physical contact with an infected individual, vaccination may help prevent the onset of disease if given soon after exposure, typically within 4 days but possibly up to 14 days. The smallpox vaccine, Imvanex or Jynneos, is currently being used against monkeypox as it provides cross-protection. A single dose is believed to be 85% effective in preventing the disease. Vaccination sides effects are typically mild.

Monkeypox Treatment

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Antivirals for Symptomatic Patients

For individuals who develop Monkeypox symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes and the characteristic rashes, antiviral treatment can help reduce severity and contagiousness. The antiviral tecovirimat, branded as Tpoxx, inhibits viral replication and is approved for treatment of smallpox. It is available through expanded access protocols or compassionate use for monkeypox until clinical trials confirm efficacy. Tecovirimat is administered orally twice daily for 2 weeks.

Other antivirals sometimes used off-label for monkeypox include brincidofovir and cidofovir. Both work to inhibit the viral DNA polymerase enzyme. However, substantial toxicities must be monitored with these medications. Treatment typically lasts until all scabs from lesions have fallen off. Antivirals work best when given early in the illness, ideally within the first 4 days of rash onset.

Wound Care and Pain Management

In addition to antiviral therapy, supportive care focuses on relieving symptoms and speeding healing of lesions. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce fever and tenderness. Applying cool, damp compresses or oatmeal baths may soothe itchy, irritated skin. Once lesions crust over, gentle washing with antibacterial soap helps prevent secondary bacterial infections in the sores.

Applying antiseptic creams containing ingredients such as povidone-iodine after bathing also reduces the risk of additional sores forming. For those with numerous deep lesions, topical lidocaine or prescription creams may provide pain relief. As scabs form and fall off naturally over 2-4 weeks, moisturizing the healed skin with hydrating lotions prevents dryness and cracking. Proper wound care can significantly improve comfort during recovery.

Isolation and Contact Tracing

During the infectious period from onset of symptoms to falling off of scabs, isolation helps stop further spread. The CDC recommends isolating in a separate, well-ventilated room and avoiding sharing bedding, utensils and personal items until fully recovered. Close contacts are monitored by public health departments for symptoms and may receive vaccination post-exposure prophylaxis if eligible. Vaccination and treatment can interrupt monkeypox transmission chains when supported by diligent contact tracing and quarantines.

Prevention

While self-limiting in most cases, monkeypox infection typically results in very uncomfortable symptoms lasting 2-4 weeks. New daily cases have been declining overall with expanded vaccination programs, but localized outbreaks may still arise. The best ways to prevent further spread remain avoiding close physical contact with unknown partners, practicing safe sex, and seeking medical care promptly if any suspicious rashes appear. Vigilance, vaccination and coordinated global response efforts aim to curb monkeypox worldwide.

 

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