Given the potential spread of monkeypox in the country, healthcare professionals are arming themselves with as much knowledge about the virus as they can. For pharmacists, here are essential details you need to know about monkeypox as well as the important role you could play in disease prevention.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infectious disease endemic to Central and Western African countries. The virus was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958, but since then, it has been found among several species of rodent and can be transmitted through animal-to-human contact or human-to-human contact.
The first recorded case of monkeypox among humans was in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970. In 2022, monkeypox transmission in non-endemic countries escalated into a global outbreak, with infections being detected across 50 territories, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and North America. Human-to-human transmission involves direct and close contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids and excretion of infected patients, as well as indirect contact through infected materials, such as clothing or linen.
What are its symptoms?
Monkeypox manifests through symptoms similar to that of smallpox, including fever, myalgia or muscle pain, lymphadenopathy or swelling of the lymph nodes, chills, headache, sore throat, malaise, as well as vesiculopustular rashes or lesions that may appear in various parts of the body, including the face, arms, and legs. The incubation period of monkeypox is estimated at three to 17 days and usually lasts for two to four weeks.
How is it treated?
There is currently no approved treatment for monkeypox infections. Because monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same family of viruses, there are antiviral drugs for smallpox, like tecovirimat (TPOXX), that are being considered to help patients manage monkeypox infections. Similarly, vaccines meant for smallpox may also be used to prevent monkeypox transmission among the population.
What you can do
As healthcare providers, pharmacists play a role in various preventive efforts, including health screening and provision of evidence-based recommendations regarding disease prevention.
According to various health experts, one effective and easy way to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus is by following COVID-19 health and safety protocols, particularly social distancing and proper and frequent handwashing. By connecting with patients and providing them with the appropriate advice on disease prevention, pharmacists can support the community in reducing the risk of further spreading disease.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reactions, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
