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Table of Content
1. What is Monkeypox?
2. How is monkeypox transmitted?
3. How long is the waiting period?
4. What are the symptoms?
5. How high is the mortality rate?
6. Can the monkeypox virus mutate?
7. Is there a vaccine supply?
8. Should the public be concerned?
9. What are the prevention methods?
10. Will insurance provide compensation for contracting monkeypox?
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【Monkeypox】First Case Reported in Hong Kong: How Is It Transmitted? What Are the Symptoms?
1. What is Monkeypox?
The World Health Organization recently classified the monkeypox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of alert. In Hong Kong, monkeypox has been designated as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease, and the first imported case was recently reported. So, what are the symptoms of monkeypox, and how is it treated? Today, 10Life answers 10 common questions about monkeypox.
Monkeypox was first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Subsequently, most cases were reported in the tropical rainforest regions of the Congo Basin and West Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those observed in smallpox patients in the past, though the clinical severity is generally milder. Following the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the cessation of smallpox vaccinations, monkeypox has emerged as the most significant orthopoxvirus.
Since mid-May 2022, the World Health Organization has received reports of monkeypox cases in various countries, particularly in Europe and North America. From the beginning of the year to 20 July, over 14,500 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported across 72 countries and regions, with the majority involving men who have sex with men.
2. How is monkeypox transmitted?
Monkeypox is a viral infectious disease that can be contracted through contact with infected animals, humans, or objects, such as consuming improperly cooked meat from infected animals or being bitten by an infected animal. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted through droplets or direct contact with bodily fluids, such as during sexual contact, leading to human-to-human transmission cases.
3. How long is the waiting period?
4. What are the symptoms?
Monkeypox symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but the condition is generally milder. Monkeypox symptoms last for 14 to 21 days and can be divided into two stages:
| Onset Period |
|
| Rash Period |
|
Severe cases are more common in children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, the patient’s health condition, and the severity of complications.
5. How high is the mortality rate?
The mortality rate of monkeypox ranges from 1% to 10%. Since the beginning of this year, at least 5 fatal cases have been reported in Africa.
6. Can the monkeypox virus mutate?
Rosamund Lewis, head of the smallpox department at WHO's emergencies programme, stated that the monkeypox virus rarely mutates, and there is currently no evidence of any variants of the virus.
7. Is there a vaccine supply?
The World Health Organization states that vaccination against smallpox (commonly known as "cowpox") can help prevent monkeypox infection, with an effectiveness rate of 85%. However, following the global eradication of smallpox, smallpox vaccines are no longer available for general public use.
Nevertheless, in 2019, a new vaccine named "Jynneos" was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of monkeypox infection. Additionally, Europe has recently approved a new antiviral drug for the treatment of monkeypox.
Currently, there are no vaccines or medications specifically for monkeypox available in Hong Kong. However, the HKSAR Government has stated that it is actively engaging with manufacturers of smallpox vaccines that can be used to prevent monkeypox infection, to enquire and discuss the earliest possible supply to Hong Kong.
8. Should the public be concerned?
Monkeypox patients generally recover on their own. Furthermore, Professor Ho Pak-leung, Director of the Centre for Infection and Infectious Diseases at the University of Hong Kong, stated that the current monkeypox cluster is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. He believes that the risk of monkeypox being introduced to Hong Kong is relatively low, and given its low transmissibility, along with sufficient isolation facilities in Hong Kong, the public need not be overly concerned.
9. What are the prevention methods?
Maintaining good personal and hand hygiene can help prevent the transmission of viruses through contact. Additionally, if readers travel to areas affected by the monkeypox virus, they should avoid contact with infected individuals or animals. When caring for patients or handling animals, wear protective clothing and equipment, including gloves and surgical masks, and wash hands after the procedure. Before eating, ensure animal products are thoroughly cooked. If any suspicious symptoms appear, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
10. Will insurance provide compensation for contracting monkeypox?
Since medical insurance typically does not cover diseases transmitted through sexual contact, policyholders may not be eligible for compensation if infected via this route. However, if the infection occurs through other means and hospitalisation is required, medical insurance generally covers eligible expenses. For specifics, it is advisable to refer to the terms and conditions of the insurance product or consult a licensed insurance intermediary.
Note:
1. Reference materials: Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, World Health Organization website.
2. This article was last updated on 25 July 2022.
1. Reference materials: Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, World Health Organization website.
2. This article was last updated on 25 July 2022.
This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.
Last updated: 9 Apr 2026
10Life Editorial Team
Our team of professional content researchers focussing on insurance
10Life Editorial Team
Our team of professional content researchers focussing on insurance
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