Monkeypox (monkeypox) is an endemic disease in many countries on the African continent. Since May this year, atypical cases have been identified, mainly in Europe and North America. Despite its complexity, the disease has a cure and there are treatments approved by international health agencies.
- What are the symptoms of monkeypox in humans?
- Does monkeypox have a vaccine?
As monkeypox is a viral disease, the standard procedure is to look for alternatives that alleviate the patient's symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “symptoms usually last between 2 and 4 weeks and disappear on their own without treatment”.
There are treatments for monkeypox (Image: Twenty20photos/Envato Elements)
However, individuals from risk groups, such as immunosuppressed, malnourished, newborns and children, may face more serious forms of infection. As a rule, treatment must be agreed between the patient and the attending physician.
Is there a treatment for monkeypox?
“Currently, there is no approved specific treatment for monkeypox virus infections. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may be beneficial,” explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
However, the US agency explains that the following three medications can be prescribed against the monkeypox virus in exclusive cases of an outbreak:
- Tecovirimat (TPOXX): is an antiviral medication approved for the treatment of human smallpox in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 3 kg. It can be ingested in capsule format or administered via intravenous injection;
- Cidofovir (Vistide): is an antiviral medication that acts against the orthopoxvirus genus, which includes the smallpox and monkeypox viruses;
- Brincidofovir is an antiviral medication for the treatment of human smallpox in adult and pediatric patients, including newborns.
In addition to these medications, the WHO explains that “vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG) may be recommended for severe cases”.
Can medicines be used in Brazil?
Smallpox medicines are not approved for use in Brazil, according to Anvisa (Image: Leungchopan/Envato)
Medicines for the treatment of smallpox and, consequently, monkeypox are not authorized for use in Brazil and cannot be sold nationally, according to the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
According to Anvisa, the antiviral cidofovir already had a registration for use approved by the agency, but the license expired in 2010 and, since then, it has not been renewed. The other two medications were never analyzed by the agents.
After all, does the disease have a cure?
Despite the numerous symptoms – such as skin lesions, fever, intense headache and muscle pain – the WHO explains that the majority of cases do not tend to be serious. This is “a self-limiting illness with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks.” In other words, there is a cure for the disease.
important care
Regardless of the use of medication (or not), the WHO recommends some basic care for the best recovery of monkeypox patients. The guidelines are primarily aimed at reducing damage caused by flares.
“It is important to care for the rash by letting it dry if possible, or covering it with a moist bandage to protect the area if necessary. Avoid touching sores in your mouth or eyes. Mouthwash and eye drops can be used as long as products containing cortisone are available. be avoided”, explains the WHO.
