Monkeypox: What's Going On?

Antiviral Treatments

Antiviral treatments for monkeypox are currently limited, with most patients receiving only pain medication. Professor Chloe Orkin highlights the use of tecoviramat, an antiviral initially developed for smallpox, which has shown promise in reducing the severity of monkeypox symptoms. However, accessing this treatment remains challenging, as it requires coordination with the CDC in the US 1.

It's hard to know whether it would have turned the corner anyway, but clinicians are saying that they think it's reducing the severity.

--- Professor Chloe Orkin

Additionally, concerns about scarring from monkeypox lesions persist, though they often resolve over time, similar to chickenpox 1.

   

Vaccine Availability

Vaccine distribution for monkeypox faces significant hurdles, with availability being likened to winning a lottery. Dr. Carlton Thomas describes the current situation as frustrating, with limited doses available and high demand 2. Despite these challenges, the vaccines, originally developed for smallpox, are believed to offer some protection against monkeypox, although their exact efficacy remains uncertain.

It's like getting a gold circle Beyonce ticket.

--- Dr. Carlton Thomas

The rollout has been slow, with priority given to those at higher risk, such as individuals with multiple sexual partners or those exposed to the virus 2.