In recent years, this disease has garnered attention due to its rapid spread and significant impact on global health. This article delves into the details of mpox, including the symptoms to watch for, how it spreads, and the vaccines available to protect against it.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Previously known as monkeypox, the World Health Organization (WHO) has renamed the disease mpox to avoid stigma and misconceptions.
The virus spreads from person to person primarily through close contact, and occasionally from the environment to humans via objects and surfaces touched by an infected person.
Initially considered a local issue, mpox caused a global outbreak in 2022, leading WHO to declare it a public health emergency.
In response, WHO has adopted the term “mpox” to replace “monkeypox” in order to reduce stigma and clarify the disease’s nature.
Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox symptoms resemble those of smallpox but are often milder. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
A characteristic rash typically appears several days after the initial symptoms and can last from two to four weeks. The rash often starts as small bumps that develop into blisters and can affect the face, palms, soles, groin, and genital and anal areas. The number of sores can range from a few to several thousand.
It is important to note that individuals with mpox are considered contagious until all their blisters have dried up, the scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed underneath. This process usually takes two to four weeks. Reports indicate that individuals can become re-infected after recovering from mpox.
How Mpox Spreads
Mpox spreads from person to person primarily through close contact. Touching, sexual activity, or even speaking closely with an infected person can generate infectious respiratory particles.
The virus can also survive on surfaces such as clothing, bedding, and electronics that have been touched by someone with mpox. Someone who comes into contact with these items without washing their hands first may become infected.
Additionally, the virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact.
Transmission from animals to humans is also possible, especially through contact with infected animals like monkeys or terrestrial rodents. Exposure can occur through bites, scratches, or consumption of undercooked contaminated meat.
Treatment and Care for Mpox
Individuals with mild mpox can generally recover with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever. However, those with severe mpox may require hospitalization, supportive care, and antiviral medications to reduce lesion severity and shorten recovery time.
Newborns, children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe mpox disease and complications. Therefore, these groups may need more intensive medical attention if affected by mpox.
Vaccination and Prevention
Currently, WHO recommends several vaccines for mpox, including MVA-BN, LC16, and ACAM2000. These vaccines were originally developed for smallpox and have proven effective against mpox. However, mass vaccination, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, is not recommended at this time.
Vaccination is advised only for those at high risk of exposure, such as travelers to areas with mpox cases or healthcare workers interacting with patients.
Preventing mpox involves good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated. Avoiding contact with wild animals, especially those that are sick or dead, is crucial for reducing the risk of transmission.
Mpox is a disease that requires prompt attention and action to prevent its further spread. By understanding the symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the impact of this disease.
Continued research and appropriate vaccination efforts will be crucial in controlling mpox outbreaks and safeguarding global health in the future.
