our most recent blog, we examined in some detail the nature of the Monkeypox (MP) virus.  

 

As of July 5, the CDC listed 560 total confirmed cases of monkeypox/orthopox virus cases in the United States, including 111 in California, 96 in New York State and 64 in Florida. This may be an underestimate however, as News 12-New York reported on July 5 that 111 people had tested positive for the orthopox virus in New York City alone; it is presumed that this would most likely be the monkeypox variety. Almost all cases have been transmitted between same sex relations of men. However, having contact with someone with a monkeypox rash or traveling to countries with confirmed monkeypox cases also affords possible exposure.

Basics: In toxicology, as Paracelsus once summed up: the dose makes the poison; i.e. almost anything in sufficient dose or quantity can cause a toxic response, with a virus, it may be very difficult to determine how much is needed to result in clinical manifestations.

Monkeypox’s Modes of Transmission

According to the CDC the following are potential exposure routes:

Someone who:

  1. Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like monkeypox or someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox
  2. Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity.
  3. Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox activity has been ongoing
  4. Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

Practical Takeaways 

According to Nature Magazine: The linking of cases to sexual activity doesn’t mean that the virus is more contagious or is transmitted (only) sexually, however — just that the virus spreads readily through close contact, according to Dr. Anne Rimoin, Epidemiologist at the UCLA School of Public Health.  Poxviruses can survive for a long time outside the body, making surfaces such as bedsheets and doorknobs potential vectors of transmission, according to Dr. Rachel Roper, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at East Carolina State University.

The International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee met on 23 June 2022 regarding the multi-country monkeypox outbreak to advise the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General on whether it constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The committee advised the WHO Director-General that the outbreak should not constitute a PHEIC at this stage, however, the Committee acknowledged the emergency nature of the event and that controlling the further spread of this outbreak requires intense response efforts. They advised that the event should be closely monitored and reviewed after a few weeks, when additional information about the current unknowns (e.g., incubation period, the role of sexual transmission, etc.) become available, to determine if significant changes have occurred that may warrant a reconsideration of their advice.

Key Takeaways 

Given the prevalence at which we seem to be potentially exposed to microorganisms lately, it is wise to have the proper tools for disinfection. UV-C has been found useful in reduction of multiple microorganisms and should be considered a necessity for surface disinfection.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of UV-C disinfection, reach out to our team today for more information!