MONKEY POX Its Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

What Is Mpox? 

Monkey Pox previously known as monkey pox, is an infectious viral disease that has recently garnered global attention due to its increasing cases and the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of a global health emergency. Here's what you need to know about this disease, its symptoms, transmission, and prevention.

What Causes Mpox?

Mpox is caused by the Orthopox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses that includes smallpox. Although it was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it has primarily been endemic in Central and Western Africa The virus can infect both humans and animals, with several species of mammals suspected to act as natural reservoirs.

Symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of mpox typically appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure and can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Rash that progresses from raised spots to fluid-filled blisters.
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Exhaustion
• Headache
• Backache

The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the mouth, genitals and anus.

How It Gets Transmitted.

Mpox can be transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, including sexual contact, touching contaminated clothing or bedding, and respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. In regions where the virus is endemic, it can also be contracted from infected animals through bites, scratches, or handling infected meat.

Prevention and Treatment 

Preventive measures include:

• Vaccination: Smallpox vaccines have been found to be effective against mpox.
• Hygiene practices: Regular hand washing and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
  
  
• Avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets or other materials that have been in contact with an infected animal or person.
  
  
• Isolate people who have mpox from healthy people.
  
  
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after any contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  
  
• Avoid animals that may carry the virus.
  
  
• Protective equipment: Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals.
  
  

There is no specific treatment for mpox, but antiviral drugs like tecovirimat can be used to manage symptoms. Most individuals recover without treatment, although severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems.

Treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough liquids to help keep stool soft, and pain management.

If you have mpox, isolate at home in a separate room from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with some antiviral drugs are used to treat smallpox.

Mpox complications can include:

• Severe scars on the face, arm and legs.
• Blindness.
• Other infections.
• Death, in rare cases.

The type of mpox virus spreading in the 2022 outbreak, called Clade II, rarely leads to death.

Remember that mpox is rare in the U.S. and the mpox virus doesn't spread easily between people without close contact. But if you have a new rash or any symptoms of mpox, contact your healthcare professionals.