What parents should know about Monkeypox?

Dr. Narendra Rathi

MD, DNB (Pediatrics)

Smile Children Clinic,

Andheri, Mumbai

Being a practicing pediatrician, every day, I am asked by parents if they should worry about Monkeypox, given the news and media flooded with it! I tell them that rather than worry, they should be aware of this disease and be prepared in case it strikes at large. Here we will talk about few things parents are asking us and should know about Monkeypox. 

Is it real?

Yes, Monkeypox is the disease the world is experiencing now. Though it hasn’t yet spread too much, but it can happen anytime in future. The threat is real. WHO as declared it as a medical emergency of international concern. As children are likely to have more serious disease, being a Child Specialist, I should create the scientific awareness of this disease among parents. 

Is Monkeypox there in India?

Yes, the first case of Monkeypox in India occurred on 14/07/2022 (https://ihpoe.mohfw.gov.in/RTI/Monkeypox%20Guidelines.pdf ).    

Will Monkeypox affect children?

Yes, it can. And if it does, as said earlier, it is likely to be more serious in children (and also in pregnant women & people with low immunity) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35947269/.

How does it look like when a person gets it?

Monkeypox comes with fever, glands and rash. Initially, there is fever and glands in armpit, groin, neck or near ears. The rash is painful, fluid filled blisters and can last for around 15-20 days. 

Will I miss it for chickenpox?

Yes, sometimes. Fever, rash with fluid filled blisters is all similar to chickenpox. But rash in monkeypox is bigger and painful, while chickenpox rash is itchy. Also, the rash of monkeypox lasts longer. The glands are not there in chickenpox. Essentially both are diseases caused by viruses but the viruses are different.

Is Monkeypox ever dangerous for life?

Yes, sometimes it can be. Sometimes there are complications like pneumonia, sepsis, bacterial infection, brain swelling or eye damage. 

How will my pediatrician confirm it?

There are specific tests to diagnose Monkeypox like PCR test and antibody tests. These are done on Skin scrapings, blister fluid, blood, urine or throat swab.

How is monkeypox treated?

The treatment is just taking care of symptoms child is experiencing like paracetamol for fever. Specific medicine which acts against Monkeypox virus is available but rarely needed, mostly for children with severe disease specially in those who have very low immunity. 

What can I do to protect my child from Monkeypox?

At present no vaccine is available for prevention of Monkeypox. One has to take all precautions to prevent child getting infection from a patient having this disease. Though it usually is transmitted from other person, rarely one can contract this disease from animal bite or scratch or meat consumption, specially from rats, squirrel or monkeys. So, avoid close contact with people who are sick with monkeypox, wash hands frequently with soap and water and avoid contact with animals that may be infected with monkeypox.