Mpox, also referred to as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus. It is a pathogenic infection capable of causing painful rashes and swelling in the lymph nodes, besides fever. Though most people get well without much hassle, some cases can be very serious. Let's go through the important aspects of Mpox: its transmission, symptoms, and measures in case of infection.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infection caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The virus is derived from the same family as variola, known as smallpox, and cowpox. The first identification of this virus was in monkeys in 1958, while in humans, it was first identified in 1970, described in a young boy from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mpox has become prominent since the eradication of smallpox and has emerged in various regions—a big global outbreak between 2022 and 2023.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox can spread through several routes:
Human Contact: The virus is capable of transmission from an infected person to a healthy individual through physical contact, such as by touching, kissing, or any other close physical contact, including sex.
Animal contact: Direct contact with infected animals during hunting, cooking, or other activities is also a mode of transmission.
Fomite: The virus can survive for some period on the objects that are used by the infected individual, like bedding, towels, cloths, needles, and other sharp instruments.
Pregnancy: An infected pregnant individual can pass the infection to her baby.
Symptoms of Mpox
The symptoms of Mpox normally start to show up 1 to 3 weeks from the date of exposure and include the following:
Fever.
Rash.
Sore throat.
Headache.
Painful muscles and back.
Low energy.
Swollen lymph nodes.
The rash typically starts as flat lesions, which later become fluid-filled blisters. These can be itchy or even painful. As part of the healing process, these blisters dry up, crust, and finally fall off. The rash may appear in various parts of the body, for instance, palms, soles, face, and genital areas. Some persons have reported pain in the anus and pain while passing motion or urinating.
Complications and Risks
Mpox can cause complications like:
Bacterial Infections: The skin lesions can get secondarily infected.
Respiratory Problems: Pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
Vision Disturbances: The corneal infection may result in blindness.
Gastrointestinal disturbances: Severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, malnutrition.
Systemic Complications: Sepsis, encephalitis, or inflammation of other organs.
Patients who are immunocompromised (HIV positive individuals) are prone to dangerous complications.
Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of Mpox should be made against a number of other diseases that are likely to present similarly, including chickenpox, measles, and sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is no specific cure for Mpox, treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
Prevention
Vaccination: Vaccination against this infection is available and is most effective when given within 4 days after exposure. The vaccination can be given up to 14 days later if the symptoms have not developed.
High-risk groups: Vaccination is advised for those who are considered to belong to groups at high risk for developing Mpox.
Self-Care and Prevention Tips for Mpox
For most people with Mpox, symptoms and your health will get better and back to normal in 2 to 4 weeks. Take these steps to feel better and keep from spreading it to other people:
Recommended Actions:
Maintain Hygiene: Washing your hands through the soap and water or making the use of the hand sanitizer is much important especially after you get in contact with any sort of the sores.
Wear a Mask and Cover Lesions: Until your rash has fully healed, when you are around other people wear a mask and cover any lesions.
Keep Your Skin Dry: Don’t put any type of covering over your skin unless you have to. The exception would be if you were around other people but only then.
Disinfect Commonly Touched Objects/Surfaces: Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes and frequently disinfect commonly touched objects and/or surfaces to avoid risk of infection.
Soothing Treatments: Use saltwater rinses for mouth sores, and sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores.
In terms of pain relief, you may consult for physician in order for them to prescribe advised medication.
Things to Avoid:
Don’t Pop or Scratch: Popping blisters or scratching sores should be avoided as it can slow down the healing process, cause the rash to spread and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid Shaving Affected Areas: Do not shave over areas with sores until they are completely healed and new skin has formed. This can spread the rash to other parts of your body.
Preventing the Spread of Mpox:
To prevent spreading Mpox to others:
Isolate Yourself: Stay isolated at home or in a hospital setting if necessary, from the time symptoms begin until all lesions have crusted over.
Cover Lesions and Wear a Mask: Cover lesions and continue to wear a mask around others to prevent spread of the virus.
By following all of these steps, you can help to manage your condition effectively and also help to reduce the risk of spreading Mpox to people around you.
Article By Dr. Seema Dhir
Sr. Consultant, Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospital