New Study On Monkeypox : The Lancet
A new study on monkeypox published in The Lancet suggests that some antiviral medications might have the potential to shorten symptoms and reduce the amount of time a patient is contagious.
- The study documents patients’ response to two antiviral medications – brincidofovir and tecovirimat.
- These were developed to treat smallpox, and have previously demonstrated some efficacy against monkeypox in animals.
- The study found little evidence that brincidofovir was of clinical benefit, but concluded that further research into the potential of tecovirimat would be warranted.
- Monkeypox, a rare disease, is caused by a virus that is a close relative of the smallpox virus. There are currently no licensed treatments.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that Monkeypox can be contained in countries outside of Africa where the virus is not usually detected.
- According to media reports, more than 100 cases of the virus, which causes a rash and a fever have been confirmed in Europe, Americas, and Australia.
- The virus is most common in remote parts of Central and West Africa.
