After several monkeypox patients developed myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle, experts are contemplating how viral diseases are linked to the condition. During the pandemic, inflammation in various parts of the body was a frequently noted symptom in many Covid-19 patients.
The WHO has declared the current monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The virus transmitted to humans from animals causes similar symptoms to smallpox. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus describes monkeypox to be clinically less severe.
However, inflammation in the heart muscle can reduce its ability to pump blood and cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms. While monkeypox cases requiring treatment for heart muscle inflammation are fewer, a case study in the Journals of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) has drawn attention to the potential complication.
Dr Sheela Murali Chakravarthy, director of internal medicine at Fortis Hospital told The Indian Express that viral disease evokes inflammation in the body, both as a cause and effect. She added that nerves and the heart are more affected because they need a lot of energy.
Experts are of the mind that it is not a serious concern.
WHO noted that in the current outbreak of monkeypox, transmission appears to be through close physical contact including sexual contact. Contaminated materials like linens, bedding, electronics, and clothing can also be carriers.