Monkeypox in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Monkeypox in children is a rare viral disease. It is similar to smallpox but less severe. Monkeypox is mainly found in Central and West Africa. it is transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or people.
Table Of Contents:
- Introduction
- What is monkeypox in children?
- Causes of monkeypox in children
- History and Facts Data about monkeypox in Children
- Signs and symptoms of monkeypox in children
- Diagnosing monkeypox in children
- Is there a rapid test for monkeypox?
- Treatment options for monkeypox in children
- Treatment options for monkeypox in children
- Monkey pox vaccine for children
- Prevention of monkeypox in children
- What to do if you suspect monkeypox infection in your children
- Monkeypox in children and COVID-19
- Complications of monkeypox in children
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Causes of Monkeypox in Children
Monkeypox in children is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is transmitted to humans from animals through direct contact. Other ways of transmission are bites or scratches from infected animals. It can also transfer from one person to another through close contact with an infected person.
History and Facts Data about Monkeypox in Children
According to WHO, monkeypox was first time reported in a nine-month-old boy in the Congo in 1970. After that monkeypox spread throughout African countries, especially in Central and West Africa.
The largest outbreak of monkeypox occurred in 2022–2023. A strain of monkeypox virus known as clade IIb spread to multiple countries across the world. The exact number of monkeypox cases is unknown. Many cases of monkeypox remain undetected or misdiagnosed.
Some figures say that 1000 and 2000 cases happen every year in Africa. The death rate changes by strain, age group, and access to healthcare. It is between 1 and 10% with higher rates in children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report on November 3rd, 2022 about the epidemiologic and clinical features of 83 cases of infection in children and adolescents.
Children <5 years = 16 cases
Children 5 -12 years = 12 cases
Adolescents 13-17 years = 55 cases
Most teenagers were male (89%).
The most common symptoms were
Fever = 94%
Rash = 91%
Headache =65%
Lymphadenopathy = 63%
The median duration of illness was 21 days. Five patients developed complications, like pneumonia, encephalitis, or eye infections. Two patients died, one with underlying HIV infection and one with severe pneumonia.
Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox in Children
Normally symptoms of monkeypox appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks. But they may last longer in children with weak immune systems.
The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox like
– Fever
– Chills
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Exhaustion
– Muscle aches and backache
– Headache
– Respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
– Rash on hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals or anus.
It can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. It will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Some children may develop complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or eye infections.
Diagnosing Monkeypox infection in Children
Monkeypox infection in children is diagnosed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). For this test, a tissue sample from an open sore or a swab from a blister is collected. The sample is sent to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. A blood sample s also required to check for the monkeypox virus or antibodies.
Is There a Rapid Test for Monkeypox?
In rapid testing for monkeypox, nanoparticles are used to detect the virus within minutes. These tests are based on a selective molecular sensor. That sensor binds to a specific protein on the surface of the monkeypox virus and changes color. These tests are more portable, simple, and fast than PCR. They can also be used in remote areas or during outbreaks.
These rapid tests are still in the research stage and have not been approved for clinical use. Therefore, they are not yet available for routine testing of monkeypox. The PCR test remains the gold standard for diagnosing monkeypox.
Treatment Options for Monkeypox in Children
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox infection in children or adults. The symptoms often resolve on their own without treatment. However, some children may need supportive care to relieve their symptoms and prevent complications. Supportive care may include:
– Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain
– Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine to reduce itching
– Fluids to prevent dehydration
– Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that may occur due to scratching the rash
– Oxygen therapy or ventilation to help with breathing problems
– Eye drops or ointment to treat eye infections or irritation
Tecovirimat is the first-line medication to treat monkeypox, including in children and adolescents. It is an antiviral drug that blocks the replication of the monkeypox virus. It is given orally for 14 days starting within 96 hours of rash onset. Tecovirimat is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but can be used through a protocol with CDC approval.
Monkeypox Vaccine for Children
JYNNEOS is the only FDA-approved vaccine for monkeypox in the U.S. The vaccine is given subcutaneously to children and adolescents. The shots are administered in two doses 28 days apart.
Prevention of Monkeypox in Children
Children should avoid contact with animals such as rodents, primates, and other wild animals. They should also avoid contact with people who have monkeypox.
What to do if you suspect monkeypox infection in your children If you think your child has monkeypox, isolate at home and contact a healthcare provider. If they have active rash or symptoms, keep them in a separate room away from pets and people. The healthcare provider will collect the specimens and send them for testing. They will also recommend the best treatment and follow-up for your child.
Monkeypox in Children and COVID-19
Monkeypox can be complicated by COVID-19, especially in children with weakened immune systems. Take precautions to prevent the spread of both diseases.
Complications of Monkeypox in Children
Complications of monkeypox in children include
Secondary bacterial infections
Pneumonia
Sepsis.
In some cases, the disease can be fatal.
Conclusion
Monkeypox infection in children is rare but serious viral disease. Diagnosis is difficult but early diagnosis can help to prevent complications. Prevention involves avoiding contact with infected animals and people.
If you notice any sign of the monkeypox virus in your child, go for medical help immediately. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox in children but supportive care and early diagnosis may reduce the severity of the disease.
Overall, monkeypox in children is rare, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. With proper care, children can recover from the disease.
FAQs
Q. How is monkeypox in children transmitted?
A. It is transmitted to humans from animals through direct contact. Other ways of transmission are bites or scratches from infected animals. It can also transfer through close contact with an infected person.
Q. What are the common symptoms of monkeypox in children?
A. Common signs and symptoms of monkeypox in children are fever, muscle aches, headache, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, first on the face then spread to other parts of the body.
Q. Is there a vaccine for monkeypox in children?
A. The only FDA-approved vaccine in the U.S for monkeypox in children is JYNNEOS. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously to children and adolescents. The shots are administered in two doses 28 days apart.
Q. Can monkeypox in children be fatal?
A. Monkeypox in children can be fatal in case of weak immunity. Secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, and sepsis are complications of the disease.
Q. How can monkeypox in children be prevented?
A. Monkeypox in children can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected animals and people. It also involves practicing good hygiene and taking precautions in areas where the disease is more common.
