Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the orthopoxvirus family.
The illness primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, leading to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
It can result in significant illness and may cause scarring.
Transmission of mpox mainly occurs through direct interaction, including sexual contact.
It can be spread through bodily fluids, skin lesions, mucosal surfaces (like the mouth or throat), respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
In areas where the virus circulates in animals, mpox is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can jump from animals to humans.
The virus is predominantly found in tropical rainforests across central, eastern, and western Africa, where small mammals such as squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and various monkey species serve as potential carriers.
Since May 2022, mpox has spread globally, with cases surfacing in regions where it was previously uncommon. Currently, most cases are transmitted between people rather than from animals.
Symptoms
Mpox typically starts with fever, a rash resembling pimples or blisters, and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms usually appear within a week after exposure but can take anywhere from 1 to 21 days to develop.
The illness typically begins with a fever phase lasting 1 to 3 days, accompanied by severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
Following this, the skin eruption stage begins, which can last 2 to 4 weeks.
Lesions transition from flat macules to raised papules, fluid-filled vesicles, pus-filled pustules, and eventually scabs or crusts.
Scarring can occur, and for some individuals, the rash is the first noticeable sign of mpox.
In some instances, mpox can lead to severe illness and even death.
Children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, such as people with uncontrolled HIV, are at higher risk for severe complications and fatal outcomes.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing and controlling mpox involves raising awareness in the community and educating healthcare workers to reduce infection and transmission.
Vaccines are available and can protect against infection and severe illness.
The WHO recommends vaccination for individuals at high risk during outbreaks, including those who have had close contact with infected persons and healthcare workers.
Those who received smallpox vaccines in childhood may have some degree of protection against mpox.
To prevent spread, avoid close contact with infected people or contaminated materials.
In healthcare settings, personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves should be worn when caring for infected individuals.
In areas where animal-to-human transmission is possible, avoid contact with sick or dead animals, and ensure animal products are thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Treatment for mpox focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Ongoing research is being conducted to develop treatments to improve patient outcomes.
