Mpox, previously known as monkeypox is a rare viral infection, caused by the mpox virus. This virus generally affects rodents like rats and nonhuman apes like monkeys, but now it can affect humans. The Mpox virus first appeared in Central and West Africa. However, in 2022 mpox has been found in countries that usually do not have mpox. In recent times, the World Health Organization has declared this infection a public health emergency of international concern. In this article, learn about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of mpox.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the mpox virus. According to the CDC, mpox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox. This virus is a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus and has two clades (types): Clade I and Clade II. As per the study from the CDC, clade I causes more serious disease and death than the other types.
Clade II is the milder type of mpox that caused a multi-country outbreak in 2022. As per various studies, clade II is more-transmittable but less life-threatening than clade I. On the other hand, the latest strain of mpox called clade Ib was found in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. The new strain transmits through sexual contact and is now being detected in the countries as well.
How does Mpox spread?
Mpox virus is very contagious and spreads through close contact with an infected person or their lesions, bodily fluids and respiratory secretions. The virus can also spread through touching, face-to-face contact, kissing, hugging, and other sexual activities. Mpox virus can also spread through close contact with infected animals like rodents.
One can also contract the virus through contaminated clothes or linen. Pregnant mothers can spread the virus to their fetuses which could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and other complications. According to the WHO, people with multiple sex partners are at higher risk of contracting the mpox virus.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
The symptoms of pox generally appear several days or weeks after contracting the virus. The common symptoms of mpox include:
Some people may experience the mentioned symptoms, while others may only experience body rash. Initially, the rash may appear reddish and painful sores, after a few days they turn into fluid-filled blisters. Also, the lesions first appear on the face and then spread to the other body parts. According to the CDC, the lesions may also occur in the genitals or anus.
How is Mpox treated?
Unfortunately, there are no specific antivirals or medicines to treat mpox. Generally, most people recover with pain management. However, healthcare providers recommend other antivirals to treat people with severe mpox infection.
How to prevent Mpox?
There are several ways in which you can lower your risk of contracting the virus, such as:
As per the Centre for Disease Control, mpox vaccines are essential for those exposed to the virus or who are at risk of getting infected. The mpox vaccines can provide immunization against both types of the virus.
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