Mpox - everything you need to know about the virus, symptoms and how it spreads

Sara

Leg. Doctor

Mpox: Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment ｜Recetas Medicas

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a virus that is basically a zoonosis, meaning that it is transmitted from animals to humans. The virus was first discovered in monkeys, hence the name monkey virus. In 1970, the first human case was discovered and was then named monkeypox. The virus has primarily spread in Central and West Africa and then from animals to humans, but has now made its way to other parts of the world, which is why the virus has received attention. The virus is divided into two types, clade I and clade II where clade I has been linked to more severe disease and symptoms. (1, 2)

Symptoms of Mpox

Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by blisters that can appear all over the body, including around the genitals, anus, and on the face and around the mouth. The blisters usually spread on the parts of the skin or mucous membrane that have been exposed to the virus, which is why the location differs depending on the route of infection. The disease can cause a lot of pain and discomfort but usually heals within 2-4 weeks. The disease is usually mild but in some cases it can lead to complications. It usually takes 6 to 13 days from the moment of infection until you get sick, but it can take as long as up to 21 days. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and children have a greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they become infected.

Spread of Mpox

Mpox is mainly spread through direct contact with infected animals or humans. Viruses are mainly found in the bladders of those who are sick, but can also be found in mucous membranes and body fluids such as saliva or semen. There is a high risk of infection during sexual contact, including oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex. 1 There are isolated cases where the infection has occurred indirectly, for example via bedding and towels. The virus can also be spread from mother to newborn, especially in connection with childbirth. Infection in healthcare is very rare. If you think you may have been infected or if you have symptoms of mpox, you should contact the nearest health center or skin and venereologist clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment in mpox

Diagnosis of mpox is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, including PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests that can identify the DNA of the virus. It is important to get a correct diagnosis quickly to prevent spread and provide adequate care. Treatment of mpox is mainly symptomatic. In some cases, antiviral medication may be used, especially for those with more severe symptoms or those at risk of complications. There is also a vaccine against mpox. People who have been exposed to the virus can receive so-called post-exposure prophylaxis as a way to prevent the virus from causing illness. Mpox is included in the Infection Prevention Act, which is why all cases must be reported and infection traced.

Preventive measures to avoid mpox

To prevent the spread of mpox, it is important to avoid contact with people who are infected with the disease and to practice good hand hygiene. Having many new sexual contacts is considered a risk factor, which is why one should be careful with new sexual contacts. It is not certain that condoms protect against the virus. Vaccination can also be offered as pre-exposure prophylaxis to particularly vulnerable groups, including men who have sex with men with an increased risk of mpox, people with an increased risk of exposure through travel or professional practice in geographical areas with a high spread of infection or to people who work with the virus in their work, for example laboratory staff.

Summary of mpox

Mpox is a disease that has been around for a long time, but has only recently spread to humans. The disease can cause significant problems in society where the spread of infection should be avoided as far as possible through preventive measures and increased awareness. The disease is usually mild but can cause complications in certain specific groups. If you think you may have been infected or if you have symptoms of mpox, you should contact the nearest health center or skin and venereologist clinic.