The monkeypox virus is considered a threat to the community for several reasons:
- Transmission and Spread: Monkeypox can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, skin lesions, and bodily fluids, making it relatively easy for the virus to spread in close-knit communities.
- Zoonotic Nature: As a zoonotic virus, monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans. This potential for cross-species transmission increases the risk of outbreaks, especially in regions where humans and animals live in close proximity.
- Severe Symptoms: The virus causes a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A characteristic rash often follows, which can progress to pustules and scabs. In severe cases, monkeypox can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis, which can be fatal.
- Lack of Immunity: Since monkeypox is not a common virus, most people do not have natural immunity to it. Moreover, routine smallpox vaccination, which also provides protection against monkeypox, was discontinued decades ago. This leaves the majority of the population vulnerable to the virus.
- Potential for Large Outbreaks: While monkeypox is not as contagious as diseases like measles or influenza, its ability to spread through close contact and the lack of widespread immunity can lead to significant outbreaks, especially in settings where people are in close quarters, such as households, schools, and healthcare facilities.
- Global Health Concern: Monkeypox has the potential to spread beyond endemic regions, as seen in recent outbreaks in non-endemic countries. This can lead to global public health concerns, as the virus may spread to new populations and regions where healthcare systems are not prepared to manage it.
- Complications and Mortality: While the mortality rate for monkeypox is generally lower than for smallpox, certain strains, particularly in Central Africa, can have higher fatality rates. Vulnerable populations, such as children and immunocompromised individuals, are at greater risk of severe disease and death.
These factors make the monkeypox virus a significant concern for public health and community safety.