Mpox Virus - Everything you need to know

Mpox outbreak is a public health emergency declared by the Africa Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) & World Health Organisation (WHO). Africa is currently suffering from a major Mpox outbreak with thousands affected and over 500 deaths. The outbreak is caused by the more virulent Clade 1b strain of the monkeypox virus.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It can lead to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. While most individuals recover fully, some may experience severe illness.

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How does Mpox Spread?

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Transmission of Mpox is through close contact with infected individuals. This contact can occur in several ways:

• Skin-to-skin contact, kissing or even talking face-to-face, which leads to breathing air with infectious respiratory particles.
• An increased risk of mpox exists for those with multiple sexual partners.
• Indirect transmission via contaminated objects like clothing or through needle injuries in healthcare or tattooing settings. 
• Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their babies, potentially leading to serious complications or miscarriage.
• Mpox can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, including hunting or handling of carcasses.
• It can be transmitted when the virus directly contacts a wound or through broken skin, mucosal surfaces (such as oral, pharyngeal, ocular genital or anorectal areas) and respiratory tract.

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Symptoms of Mpox

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Mpox symptoms usually appear from 1 to 21 days after exposure and last for roughly 2-4 weeks. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat

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A distinctive rash, often the hallmark of mpox, starts as flat sores followed after sometime by fluid-filled blisters and then crusts. The rash can appear on any part of your body, including the face, palms, soles, genitals and anus. Some people may experience pain or difficulty urinating.

In severe cases, complications may include:

• Skin infections
• Pneumonia
• Eye infections
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dehydration
• Sepsis
• Encephalitis

The symptoms and progression of mpox can vary, with some individuals experiencing only a rash. People with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV, are at higher risk of severe disease and complications from mpox.

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Diagnosis

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Mpox can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. A mpox infection is usually confirmed with laboratory testing.

PCR test: Detection of viral DNA from swabs taken from the skin lesions, mouth or rectum.

It's crucial to differentiate mpox from other conditions like chickenpox, measles or sexually transmitted infections. Early diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and preventing further spread.

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Treatment and Vaccination of Mpox

- Mpox treatment focuses on symptom management and complication prevention. 

- Isolation of infected individuals is crucial. 

- Antiviral medications are being used, with further research underway.
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Mpox vaccination is important for protecting yourself from infection. It is especially recommended for those at higher risk, including:

• Healthcare workers at high risk of exposure
• Close contacts of confirmed mpox cases 
• People with multiple sexual partners

The vaccine can be administered both before (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and after (post-exposure prophylaxis) potential exposure to the virus. 

In post-exposure cases, the vaccine is best given in the first 4 days of exposure, but may be given up to 14 days if no symptoms have occured.

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Self-Care for prevention

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The symptoms of mpox usually resolve within a few weeks for most people, but as the disease is contagious and can spread through respiratory secretions, careful management and precautions are recommended. Here’s what you can do:

Do's:

• Self-quarantine in the house, preferably in a separate room.
• Practice meticulous hand hygiene, particularly after touching any rashes.
• Wear a mask and cover lesions when around others.
• Keep skin dry and uncovered when alone, but cover up in the presence of others.
• Disinfect frequently touched objects/ surfaces and do not share personal items.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water to help relieve sores.
• Relieve sores on the body with sitz baths or warm baths containing baking soda or epsom salts.

Don't's:

• Try not to scratch or burst the blisters, as this can worsen the rash and increase the risk of infection.
• Refrain from shaving affected areas until fully healed to prevent the spread of the rash.

Remember, isolation and responsible hygiene practices are key to curbing the spread of mpox.

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