WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MPOX
What is Mpox?
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) which affects both humans and animals. Mpox has predominantly circulated in Central and West Africa, with transmission occurring between animals (primarily primates and rodents), as well as between animals and humans, and through human-to-human contact. In recent years, the rapid globalization, population movement, and deepening trade networks have contributed to the international dissemination of Mpox, resulting in outbreaks in various countries worldwide. Therefore, knowledge on Mpox and how to stay safe from it is of essence to everyone as this will help dramatically lower the risk of acquiring it.
How is Mpox Transmitted?
You can get Mpox from both animals and humans. Human infections have been linked to contact with infected animals, including exposure to body fluids, tissues, or consumption of undercooked meat. Transmission can also occur through scratches or bites from infected animals. Human-to-human transmission is believed to occur through direct contact with respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) from infected individuals, having unprotected sex with an infected person, and an infected mother to their unborn baby.
Signs And Symptoms
Signs and symptoms usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may start with a headache, lack of energy, fever, chills and/or sweats, sore throat, muscle ache, and lymphadenopathy. Usually, few days after fever and lymphadenopathy, the rash appears. The rash starts with the face and then appears the whole body, and is characterized by a few to several lesions. As the rash progresses about 2–4 weeks, plaque is replaced by papules, blisters, pustules, scabs, followed by shedding. These symptoms may typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system
Complications
Some complications may include encephalitis, keratitis, pneumonitis, and secondary bacterial infections.
How To Protect Yourself
Mpox is preventable. Avoid by all means coming in contact with infected people, and avoid using things they have come in contact with. If you have any Mpox patients at home, ensure they are isolated for the duration of the infectious period following guidance from qualified healthcare providers. Using condoms during sex will help reduce the risk of getting mpox but will not prevent spread from skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact. If having sex, use condoms as a precaution for 12 weeks (about 3 months) after you have recovered. Other things like washing your hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitisor, and keeping any shared spaces clean can help with prevention.
What To Do When You Get Mpox
For pain management you can take paracetamol (panado) or ibuprofen. Do not pop blisters or scratch the sores as this can slow down healing and spread the rash to other parts of the body. Keep your skin clean and dry to help it heal faster, and wash your hands regularly. Isolate at home under the guidance of a health care provider, in order to reduce the odds of spread. Within 4 days of exposure (or up to 14 days without symptoms) get vaccinated.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38148355/
