mpox virus (monkeypox)

 mpox virus: signs and symptoms

    The mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus is the causative agent of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Though less severe, it is a member of the same virus family as smallpox. It is mainly spread by intimate, frequently skin-to-skin contact and usually results in a characteristic rash or lesions.

mpox virus: Detailed Explanation

1. What is the Virus?

·         Family: Orthopoxvirus. This genus also includes the variola virus (which causes smallpox), the vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and the cowpox virus.

·         Origin: It was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of research monkeys (hence the original name "monkeypox"). The natural reservoir is believed to be rodents and other small mammals in Central and West Africa.

·         Name Change: In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) began using the term "mpox" to avoid stigmatization and racist language associated with the old name. Both names are currently used.

2. How is it transmitted?

Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. The main routes of transmission are

·         Direct Contact: With the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. This includes intimate contact like kissing, cuddling, or sex.

·         Respiratory Secretions: Through prolonged face-to-face contact (which requires close, sustained proximity, unlike COVID-19, which is more airborne).

·         Contaminated Objects: Touching items (like clothing, bedding, or towels) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.

·         From Animals to Humans: Through scratches or bites from an infected animal, or by preparing or eating meat from an infected animal.

    One important finding from the global outbreak in 2022 was that the virus primarily spread through sexual networks, with a large proportion of cases among men who have sex with other men. But it's important to realize that mpox can infect anyone who comes into close contact with an infected person.

3. mpox virus: signs and symptoms

After exposure, the incubation period is typically 1-2 weeks but can range from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms occur in two phases:

1.              1 Initial Phase (1-3 days):

o                    Fever

o                    Intense Headache

o                    Muscle Aches and Backache

o                    Swollen Lymph Nodes (this is a key feature that distinguishes it from smallpox)

               Chills and Exhaustion

2    Rash Phase (1-4 days after fever starts):

o    The rash typically begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. However, in the 2022 outbreak, the rash often started in the genital or perianal area and did not always spread further.

o    The rash evolves sequentially through stages: macules (flat lesions) → papules (raised bumps) → vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) → pustules (pus-filled blisters) → scabs (which eventually fall off).

o    The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.

Important Note: Some people may only get the rash, without the initial flu-like

symptoms.

4. Severity and Risk Groups

    While mpox is generally much milder than smallpox, it can be serious.

·            Most people recover fully without specific treatment.

·             Complications can include secondary skin infections, pneumonia, eye infections, and dehydration.

·         People at higher risk for severe disease include:

o        Newborns, children, and pregnant women.

o        Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., from HIV, cancer treatment, or organ transplants).

o        Those with severe skin conditions like eczema.

5. Prevention and Treatment

·         Prevention:

o    Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.

o    Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.

o    Practice good hand hygiene.

o    Vaccination: Vaccines developed for smallpox (JYNNEOS in the U.S., Imvanex in Europe) are effective at preventing mpox infection and are recommended for people at high risk of exposure.

       Treatment:

o    There is no specific treatment for mpox itself. Care is "supportive," meaning it focuses on managing symptoms (e.g., pain relief, managing fever, preventing dehydration).

o    In severe cases or for immunocompromised patients, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox (such as tecovirimat or TPOXX) may be recommended.

2

Disclaimer: This information is not medical advice; rather, it is meant to be educational. Always abide by the most recent recommendations made by the health authorities in your area.

Note: This blog contains links to affiliate websites, and we may receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made on the affiliate website using such links.