How dangerous is Monkey Pox in Japan? How to prevent and treat it?

Monkeypox has appeared and spread in many countries, including Japan. Monkeypox not only causes public health concerns but also poses many challenges to the health system. Understanding this disease will help each citizen and foreigner living in Japan to be more proactive in preventing and protecting their own health as well as the community.

What is monkeypox? Symptoms of monkeypox

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by a virus of the Orthopoxvirus family. The disease was once found mainly in Central and West Africa, but in recent years it has spread to many countries, including Japan.

Symptoms of the disease usually begin 5 to 21 days after infection with the virus. Initially, the patient may experience fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes – signs that can easily be mistaken for the common flu. Then, 1 to 3 days later, a rash begins to appear, usually starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body such as the hands, feet, palms, soles and genitals.

In Japan, the first cases of monkeypox were reported in 2022, and since then, Japanese health authorities have stepped up surveillance and control of the spread of the disease. The vesicles caused by monkeypox develop into pustules, which then crust over and peel off. The entire process can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Although most people recover, serious complications can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Transmission of monkeypox

Understanding the transmission routes of monkeypox is crucial for effective prevention. Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox does not spread easily through the air and usually requires close contact.

Zoonotic

The virus can be transmitted from infected animals (such as monkeys, rats, squirrels, etc.) to humans through bites, direct contact with blood, body fluids or open wounds. Some cases of infection have been recorded when people consume undercooked wild animal meat.

Although animal-borne infections are uncommon in Japan, you should still be cautious when handling strange animals or purchasing animal products of unknown origin.

Human-to-human transmission through contact

Monkeypox can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with skin lesions, secretions from blisters, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects such as bed sheets, towels, and clothing. Sexual contact is also one of the factors that increase the risk of infection.

Reports in Japan show that the majority of cases are men aged 20–40, who have close contact in closed environments such as bars, clubs or shared accommodation.

Risk of infection in the community

Although Japan has implemented many control measures, monkeypox still has the potential to spread in the community if not controlled promptly. Crowded, poorly ventilated environments such as subways, public toilets, hotels, etc. are high-risk places if there are undetected cases.

Densely populated areas such as Tokyo and Osaka are at higher risk of spreading the disease due to their high population density and high rates of international travel and exchange. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) has listed monkeypox as an infectious disease requiring special surveillance and has taken timely response measures.

How to prevent monkeypox when living in Japan

Living in Japan, proactive prevention of monkeypox is extremely important, especially as the country has a high population density and a developed public transportation system that creates conditions for the disease to spread rapidly.

Vaccination

Japan has begun vaccinating high-risk groups against monkeypox, especially in Tokyo and major cities. The vaccine used is Imvanex (or Jynneos), which is a classic smallpox vaccine but is up to 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.

Foreigners living in Japan can apply for vaccination through designated medical institutions or local government systems. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of disease in the community.

Maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly

Washing your hands properly with soap or antiseptic solution is one of the simple but very effective measures in preventing monkeypox. Limit touching your face, eyes, nose if your hands have not been washed, and regularly clean and disinfect contact surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, desks, etc.

Avoid close contact with people with symptoms

If you detect someone with suspicious symptoms such as unusual rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc., you should limit close contact. In the work environment or residential area, you need to notify the medical facility or authorities if you suspect a case of the disease for timely handling.

Questions and answers about monkeypox in Japan

Below are some common questions regarding monkeypox that foreigners and residents in Japan often ask.

Does the disease leave long-term consequences?

Most people recover completely after 2–4 weeks. However, some people may have scarring from the blisters or serious complications if they have an underlying medical condition or a weakened immune system. In particular, if the virus spreads to the eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis or even loss of vision if not treated promptly.

Is monkeypox the same as COVID-19?

Although both are infectious and can be transmitted from person to person, monkeypox spreads slowly and is unlikely to cause a pandemic like COVID-19. The disease has a long incubation period, is less airborne, and is generally easier to control if detected early.

However, being subjective is not advisable, especially in a crowded environment like Japan.

Are foreigners in Japan eligible for medical treatment support?

Yes. Foreigners who are legally residing in Japan and are covered by health insurance (national or corporate) are covered for medical expenses, including testing and treatment for monkeypox if necessary. In addition, local governments provide multilingual information to help foreigners access medical services more easily.

Conclusion

Although monkeypox is no longer a strange disease, it still has the potential to spread if we are subjective. Especially when living in a country like Japan - where the population density is high and the public transportation system is developed - proactive disease prevention is extremely necessary.

Please update information regularly from official sources, strictly implement disease prevention measures and get medical check-ups as soon as there are unusual signs. With initiative and community awareness, we can completely control monkeypox well, protect ourselves and those around us. In the context of the complicated developments of the global epidemic, monkeypox has appeared and spread in many countries, including Japan. Monkeypox not only causes concerns about public health but also poses many challenges to the health system. Understanding this disease will help each citizen and foreigner living in Japan to be more proactive in preventing and protecting their own health as well as the community.