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Mpox outbreak: Understanding the virus, its spread, and prevention

What is mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus was first identified in 1958 in Denmark during an outbreak in monkey colonies. Despite its name, the original source of the virus remains unknown. Researchers suspect that small mammals, such as rodents, squirrels, and primates, maybe the carriers.

Historically, mpox cases outside Central and West Africa, where the virus is endemic, were rare and typically linked to travel or imported animals. However, in recent years, the virus has spread globally, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a global health emergency twice. In 2022, the virus spread to over 70 countries that had previously reported no cases. A new variant has recently caused a surge in cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, leading the WHO to renew its emergency declaration.

How does mpox spread?
The mpox virus can enter the body through broken skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory system. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including skin-to-skin contact, kissing, hugging, sexual activities, and even massages. Prolonged face-to-face interactions can also lead to infection via respiratory droplets. In addition, the virus can be transmitted through body fluids, shared sex toys, bedding, towels, and direct contact with infected animals.

An infected person can spread the virus even before symptoms appear, and transmission continues until all skin lesions have healed and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take several weeks.

Symptoms of mpox
Mpox usually starts with a rash that can appear near the genitals, anus, face, mouth, or chest. The rash may then spread to the palms, soles, and other body parts. It is often painful and itchy, resembling pimples or blisters that go through various stages before scabbing and falling off. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and chills can occur before or after the rash appears. Some individuals also experience difficulty urinating and painful swelling of the anus.

Symptoms typically develop within 21 days of exposure to the virus. In severe cases, complications such as abscesses, severe dehydration, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or heart (myocarditis) can occur.

Who is at risk?
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or medications are at higher risk of complications from mpox. Sex workers, healthcare workers, and people with multiple sexual partners are more likely to contract the virus. Pregnant individuals, children under one year old, and people with a history of eczema are also at increased risk.

During the 2022 outbreak, many of the initial cases were reported among men who have sex with men. However, the WHO emphasises that anyone in close contact with an infected person, regardless of sexual orientation, is at risk of infection.

Preventing mpox infection
Most people recover from mpox within two to four weeks. To reduce the risk of infection, it is crucial to avoid close contact with infected individuals, especially during sexual activities, kissing, and touching. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding close contact with individuals who have visible rashes at parties, clubs, and festivals where skin-to-skin contact is common. Reducing the number of sexual partners and using condoms can also lower the risk, although condoms may not fully prevent infection if contact with lesions or body fluids occurs.

It is also essential to avoid touching objects handled by an infected person, such as utensils, towels, and bedding, and to practice frequent hand-washing. Since the mpox virus is genetically similar to the smallpox virus, vaccines used to prevent smallpox may also protect against mpox.

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