Mpox (Monkeypox)

 Key facts 

• Mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopox virus genus, which also includes the virus (the cause of smallpox).
• Animals to  human: it can spread to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous/ mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Africa, cases have been reported following contact with animals like monkeys, Gambian giant rats, and squirrels. 
• Human to Human: Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluid, or lesions of an infected person, and contaminated materials such as bedding. 
• The severity can vary, with most cases being mild and self-limiting . However, severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. 
• There is no specific treatment for Mpox, but supportive care and symptomatic treatment are important. 
• Mpox has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO): due to its potential to spread and causes outbreaks beyond endemic regions. 

Overview 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with Mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. 

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people.  It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes Mpox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas. 

Transmission

Animal to Human: Mpox is primarily transmitted to humans from wild animals, such as rodents and primates, through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin/mucosal lesions of infected animals. 

Human to Human: Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluid or lesions of an infected person and indirect through contaminated materials like bedding. 

Symptoms and Causes 

What are the signs and symptoms of Mpox?

After exposure, it may be several days to a few weeks before you develop symptoms. Signs of Mpox include:

• Fever.
• Rash.
• Swollen Iymph nodes. 
• Chills 
• Headache. 
• Muscle aches.
• Fatigue. 

The rash starts as flat, red bumps, which can be painful. Those bumps turn into blisters, which fill with pus. Eventually, the blisters crust over and fall off. The whole process can last two to four weeks. You can get sores on your mouth, face, hands, feet, penis, vagina or anus.

Not everyone with Mpox develops all the symptoms. Different ways you might experience symptoms include:

• Only a rash (no other symptoms), or other symptoms developing later. 
• Flu-like symptoms, then a rash. Some people don't get a rash at all.
• A rash can be widespread, but some people only a have few bumps or blisters. 

You can have Mpox and not know it. Even if you don't show many signs of infection, it's possible that you can spread still spread it to others through prolonged close contact. 

Severity and Complications

• Most cases of Mpox are mild and self-limiting, lasting 2 to 4 weeks. 
• However, severe cases can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. 
• Complications can include secondary infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and corneal infection, which can lead to loss of vision. 

Diagnosis 

• Diagnosis is based on the characteristic rash and history of exposure. Laboratory confirmation is done through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of samples from the rash, as well as  blood tests. 

Treatment 

• There is no specific for Mpox. Supportive care is provided to manage symptoms. 
• In some cases, antivirals such as tecovirimat, initially developed for smallpox, may be used. 
• Antiviral drugs like tecovirimat have been used, particularly in severe cases. 

Prevention 

• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus and practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of infection. 
• Smallpox vaccination has been shown to provide some protection against Mpox. In some situations, vaccination may be recommended for individuals at high risk of exposure. 

Outbreaks

• Mpox is endemic in some parts of Central and West Africa. However, cases have occasionally been reported outside Africa, often linked to travel or imported animals. 
• Recent outbreaks have raised concerns, especially with cases being reported in non-academic countries. 

Public Health Response

Controlling outbreaks involves identifying and isolating cases, contact tracing, and possibly using ring vaccination (vaccinating close contacts of confirmed cases).

Current Status 

As of 2024, there has been increased awareness and monitoring of Mpox due to outbreaks in non-endemic regions. Public health measures focus on early detection, isolation, and prevention strategies to control the spread of the disease.