According to Aljazeera, at least 18 countries have reported mpox cases. These are Pakistan, Liberia, Sweden, Kenya, the Philippines, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Uganda, Thailand, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern. As such, it is important to understand this virus so you can prevent yourself. Keep reading as we answer the question, “What is mpox?”
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What Is Mpox?
Mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, is an infection caused by the mpox virus. It’s commonly found in rodents such as mice and rats, but also affects humans.
The virus exists in strains known as clades. So far, there are two, Clade I and Clade II. Clade I has been declared the more lethal of the two and appears to spread more easily. This is the variant that’s spreading across Africa, emerging from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Clade II has two subtypes, the IIa and IIb. It’s less severe with a large occurrence outside Africa.
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How Is Mpox Transmitted?
Mpox spreads through close contact with infected people or animals. Additionally, handling items that have come into contact with an infected person leads to its transmission.
In-person transmission occurs when:
- You come into contact with the scabs, rushes, and fluids of a person with mpox.
- Contact respiratory droplets of someone with mpox.
- An expectant mother who has the virus can pass it to the foetus.
Person-to-animal transmission happens when:
- An animal bites or scratches a person.
- Direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal.
- Eating products from an infected animal.
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What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
The virus has an incubation period of between 3 to 17 days. This is the period between infection and the emergence of symptoms. These symptoms last for about four weeks and they include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rashes evolve in several stages, from pimples, blisters, scabs
- Respiratory issues like cough, nasal congestion & sore throat
How Is Mpox Diagnosed?
Mpox is diagnosed through a laboratory test that examines the viral DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Specimens such as skin, fluid or crusts are taken through swabbing. That said, blood testing isn’t recommended as it might not detect different orthopox viruses.
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How Does Mpox Treatment Work?
Early mpox treatment focuses on managing the rashes, and pain, and preventing complications. Any infected persons should isolate themselves from everyone else until they heal.
That said, there isn’t any specific treatment for mpox. However, antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) or brin cidofovir (Tembexa), approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of smallpox in the United States, are being used.
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Mpox Related Complications
Some people’s condition might be severe and can cause the following:
- Blindness
- Scars in arms, legs
- Death
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Is There an Mpox Vaccine?
Yes, the World Health Organization approved the use of MVA-BN or LC16 vaccines, or the ACAM2000. The vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk. These include someone who has been in close contact with infected persons, or someone in high-risk groups. Mass vaccination isn’t available.
Who Is at Risk of Getting Mpox?
Anyone in contact with infected persons is at risk of developing mpox. Experts are still examining different categories of people to determine higher risk, but they believe that children are in this category. This is because of their weak immune systems and how they play.
Why Is It Called Mpox?
In 1958, researchers discovered the virus in monkeys and assigned it the name the monkeypox virus. It was prominent in the Democratic Republic of Congo and West Africa, hence the naming of the strains after these regions. With the recurrence of the outbreak, WHO received reports of racist language, hence recommending the change of name from monkeypox to mpox.
Additionally, scientists renamed its strains from the Central African or Congo Basin to the Clade I and the West African Clade to Clade II, to avoid associating the virus with Africa, African people, and black people.
Frequently Asked Questions on mpox
Is mpox an STI?
Although mpox is transmitted through sexual intercourse, experts haven’t outright classified it as an STI.
How long does mpox last?
Mpox has an incubation period of 21 days. Once the symptoms start showing, it lasts for about two to four weeks
Can mpox be cured?
Currently, there isn’t a specific treatment available for mpox. Treatment largely involves managing the symptoms to prevent them from being severe.
What is the difference between chickenpox and mpox?
The difference between chicken pox and mpox is that chickenpox is a herpes virus and mpox is an orthopoxvirus.
Final Word
What is mpox? We hope that this article has answered all of your questions about the virus. Information is crucial to preventing an infection as you’ll know how it spreads, what causes it and how to protect yourself.
Note: This article is not meant to diagnose mpox or prescribe any mpox medication. It is written for information purposes only. If you suspect you have any mpox-related signs or symptoms, visit a healthcare provider.
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