How does mpox spread, its symptoms and prevention?

What is mpox?

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). This viral zoonotic infection transmits from animals to humans and is endemic in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, leading to a blistering disease similar to smallpox.

Since May 2022, there has been a global rise in cases in countries, where the illness is not usually seen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.

How does mpox spread?

The virus can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. Close contact includes face-to-face (such as talking); skin-to-skin (such as touching or anal or vaginal sex); mouth-to-mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex).

The transmission occurs through exposure to body fluids; skin blisters, mouth blisters or ulcers ; respiratory droplets and; contaminated objects such as used clothing, napkins, pillow covers, or bedding.

Bites, scratches, eating flesh of infected animals, or contracting mammals carrying mpox virus, such as Gambian pouched rats, squirrels, dormice and certain species of monkey, can increase the risk of getting mpox. Animals carrying mpox virus are found usually found in Central or Western Africa, where the virus is endemic.

If you know you have been in close contact with someone infected with mpox and you have symptoms, ask your healthcare provider to be tested.

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How does mpox look like?

Most mpox infections are mild. Like other viral infections, there is no specific treatment for the infection; however, supportive therapy may be required to ease discomfort, and patients usually recover within a few weeks. You may need to see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms.

According to CDC, symptoms usually appear 3-17 days after exposure to the virus. Consult your physician if you develop such lesions after returning from overseas or if you have been in contact with an infected person, whether among friends, family, or overseas.

Common symptoms of mpox include:

Fever and flu-like symptoms

Fever, sore throat, chills, and exhaustion are the first symptoms experienced by patients, followed by swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle, joint, and back pain, nasal congestion, and/or cough.

Itchy and painful body rashes

The rashes usually appear 1-4 days after the flu-like symptoms. They may occur on any part of the face or body. However, some patients may experience rashes or inflammation on genital or peri-anal areas.

The rashes appear as blisters filled with pus that later dry, forming a scab. After a few days, the scab falls off, leaving a scar.

These rashes often resemble chickenpox, shingles, or herpes lesions. Every rash isn’t mpox, so consult your healthcare provider to get the correct diagnosis whenever you see similar rashes on your body. The rashes appearing in the mouth and anal regions are often painful.

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How to prevent Mpox?

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine as effective in preventing both smallpox and mpox in adults 18 and above. The vaccine is approximately 86-89% effective at preventing mpox infection. Additionally, it tends to reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of hospitalization if infection occurs.

The Central for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that high-risk individuals receive two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, administered 4 weeks apart. If you received one dose in childhood, you can get the second dose to achieve maximum protection against mpox.

It may take a few weeks for the vaccine to develop sufficient antibody levels to combat the infection. Therefore, the WHO advises taking precautionary measures for several weeks after vaccination.

Unvaccinated individuals who become infected with the virus naturally develop immunity to subsequent mpox infections and do not need the vaccine.

Are immunocompromised people at high risk of contracting Mpox?

Immunocompromised people such as patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or advanced HIV patients are at a higher risk of developing severe mpox or dying.

Severe mpox can include larger, more widespread lesions (especially in the mouth, eyes and genitals), conditions such as inflammation of the heart, brain or other organs, or secondary bacterial infections of the skin or blood and lung infections.

How are Africans counties dealing with this epidemic?

African countries are actively addressing the ongoing mpox emergency with a comprehensive plan released by the CDC and WHO. This plan focuses on three key areas:

1. Controlling the outbreaks: Efforts are being made to contain and manage the spread of mpox through various public health measures.

2. Expanding vaccine access: The distribution of vaccines is being increased to ensure more people are protected against the virus.

3. Strengthening long-term resilience: Initiatives are in place to build sustainable systems that can handle future health emergencies.

In late 2024, the US contributed significantly by delivering over 1 million vaccines to 10 African countries. Additionally, laboratory capacity and testing have been significantly scaled up in the Congo, where the incidence of mpox is relatively high.

These combined efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the mpox epidemic and enhance the overall health infrastructure in the region.

Conclusion

Mpox is a viral illness that spreads through close contact. Common symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms and painful blisters on the face and body. While the 2022 outbreak has been largely contained, ongoing vigilance and vaccination efforts are crucial to prevent future cases.

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