Are you looking for clear, reliable information about monkeypox? WHAT.EDU.VN is here to provide you with the answers you need. Monkeypox, now known as mpox, is a viral disease that can cause a painful rash and other uncomfortable symptoms. We’ll break down what mpox is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself and others. Stay informed with WHAT.EDU.VN for the latest on mpox transmission, mpox symptoms, and public health.
1. What Is Mpox (Monkeypox)?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. There are two main types (clades) of the virus: clade I (with its subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). The clade IIb strain caused a global outbreak in 2022–2023.
Mpox remains a concern, with recent increases in cases in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to clades Ia and Ib.
Vaccines are available for mpox. It’s important to consider vaccination alongside other public health measures.
1.1. What Are the Key Characteristics of the Mpox Virus?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family. This family also includes viruses like variola (which causes smallpox), cowpox, and vaccinia.
1.2. How Did Mpox Get Its Name?
The monkeypox virus was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research in Denmark, hence the name. However, monkeys are not the primary carriers of the virus.
1.3. Is Mpox a New Disease?
No, mpox is not a new disease. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1.4. How Has Mpox Evolved Over Time?
Following the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccination worldwide, mpox gradually emerged in central, east, and west Africa. Since then, mpox has been reported sporadically in these regions. In 2003, an outbreak in the United States was linked to imported wild animals. More recently, in May 2022, a global outbreak of mpox rapidly spread across Europe, the Americas, and all six WHO regions.
1.5. What Are the Different Clades of Mpox?
There are two main clades of the mpox virus:
- Clade I: Found mainly in Central Africa, associated with more severe disease.
- Clade II: Found mainly in West Africa, generally associated with less severe disease. Clade IIb caused the 2022 global outbreak.
1.6. Is Mpox Still a Threat Today?
Yes, mpox remains a threat. Ongoing outbreaks, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlight the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures.
Alt: Mpox virus particles under electron microscope, showcasing the structure of the virus responsible for the disease.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
Common mpox symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions (sores) that can last 2–4 weeks. These can be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
2.1. What Is the Typical Progression of Mpox Symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear within 1–21 days after exposure. The mpox rash often starts on the face and spreads over the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also start on other parts of the body where contact was made, such as the genitals. The rash begins as flat sores, which develop into blisters filled with liquid. These blisters may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over, and fall off.
2.2. How Does the Mpox Rash Look and Feel?
The mpox rash often begins on the face and spreads over the body. It starts as a flat sore, which then develops into a blister filled with liquid. The rash can be itchy or painful. As it heals, the lesions dry up, crust over, and fall off.
2.3. Can Mpox Symptoms Vary From Person to Person?
Yes, symptoms can vary. Some people may have only a few skin lesions, while others have hundreds or more. Some individuals might experience fever, muscle aches, or sore throat before the rash appears. Others might have the rash as their first symptom.
2.4. What Are the Less Common Symptoms of Mpox?
Less common symptoms can include painful swelling of the rectum (proctitis), pain and difficulty when urinating (dysuria), or pain when swallowing.
2.5. Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Mpox?
While most people fully recover from mpox, some may experience complications. These can include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, corneal infection with vision loss, and infections of the blood, brain, heart, rectum, genital organs, or urinary passages. Mpox can be fatal in some cases, especially for children, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
2.6. Can You Be Infected With Mpox Without Showing Symptoms?
Yes, some people can be infected without developing any symptoms (asymptomatic). However, information is still limited on how common this is.
2.7. How Long Are You Contagious With Mpox?
People with mpox can pass the disease on to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
2.8. Who Is At Higher Risk for Serious Mpox Symptoms?
Children, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox.
2.9. What Complications Can Arise From Mpox?
Complications can include:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Pneumonia
- Corneal infection with loss of vision
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting and diarrhea causing dehydration or malnutrition
- Infections of the blood (sepsis), brain (encephalitis), heart (myocarditis), rectum (proctitis), genital organs (balanitis), or urinary passages (urethritis).
Mpox can be fatal in some cases.
Alt: Close-up of mpox lesions on the hand, illustrating the typical appearance of the rash associated with the disease.
3. How Does Mpox Spread (Transmission)?
Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household. Close contact includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing). It can also include being face-to-face with someone who has mpox (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles).
People can also contract mpox from contaminated objects such as clothing or linen, through needle injuries in health care, or in community settings such as tattoo parlors.
During pregnancy or birth, the virus may be passed to the baby.
3.1. What Kind of Contact Leads to Mpox Transmission?
Close contact with someone who has mpox is the primary mode of transmission. This includes:
- Skin-to-skin contact (touching, sex)
- Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (kissing)
- Face-to-face contact (talking or breathing close to one another)
3.2. Can Mpox Be Sexually Transmitted?
Yes, mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
3.3. Can Mpox Spread Through the Air?
While mpox is not primarily an airborne disease, it can spread through respiratory particles during close face-to-face contact.
3.4. Can You Get Mpox From Touching Contaminated Surfaces?
Yes, people can contract mpox from contaminated objects such as clothing or linen.
3.5. Is Mpox a Risk During Pregnancy?
Yes, contracting mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus or newborn infant. It can lead to loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth, death of the newborn, or complications for the parent.
3.6. How Can Mpox Spread From Animals to Humans?
Animal-to-human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
3.7. Who Is At Higher Risk of Acquiring Mpox?
People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of acquiring mpox.
3.8. Is Mpox Considered a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
While mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is not classified solely as an STI. It can also spread through non-sexual close contact.
3.9. What Role Do Sexual Networks Play in Mpox Transmission?
The 2022 global outbreak primarily affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, spreading person-to-person through sexual networks.
3.10. How Can You Prevent Mpox Transmission During Sexual Activity?
Using condoms during sex will help reduce the risk of getting mpox but will not prevent spread from skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact.
Taking a break from sexual activity with new partners during periods of increased transmission can reduce the risk of getting mpox. Those who have had contact with someone with mpox should monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days (3 weeks) and take precautions such as avoiding sexual activity during this period.
4. How Is Mpox Diagnosed?
Identifying mpox can be difficult because other infections and conditions can look similar. Testing is key for people to get care as early as possible and prevent severe illness and further spread.
4.1. Why Is It Difficult to Diagnose Mpox?
Mpox can be mistaken for other conditions like chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, and medication-associated allergies.
4.2. What Conditions Can Be Mistaken for Mpox?
Conditions that can be mistaken for mpox include:
- Chickenpox
- Measles
- Bacterial skin infections
- Scabies
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Other sexually transmitted infections
- Medication-associated allergies
4.3. What Is the Preferred Laboratory Test for Mpox?
The preferred laboratory test for mpox is detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
4.4. Where Are the Best Diagnostic Specimens Taken From?
The best diagnostic specimens are taken directly from the rash – skin, fluid, or crusts – collected by vigorous swabbing. In the absence of skin lesions, testing can be done using swabs of the throat or anus.
4.5. Is Blood Testing Recommended for Mpox Diagnosis?
Testing blood is not recommended. Antibody detection methods may not be useful as they do not distinguish between different orthopoxviruses.
4.6. What Other Tests Should Be Considered When Diagnosing Mpox?
HIV testing should be offered to adults with mpox, and children as appropriate. Diagnostic tests for other conditions should be considered where feasible, for example, varicella zoster virus (VZV), syphilis, and herpes.
4.7. What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have Mpox?
If you suspect you have mpox, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your symptoms, perform the necessary tests, and provide appropriate care.
5. What Are the Treatments and Vaccinations for Mpox?
The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain, and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems. Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection.
5.1. What Is the Primary Goal of Mpox Treatment?
The primary goal of mpox treatment is to take care of the rash, manage pain, and prevent complications.
5.2. Is There a Specific Antiviral Treatment for Mpox?
Some antivirals have received emergency use authorization in some countries and are being evaluated in clinical trials. To date, there is no proven effective antiviral treatment for mpox.
5.3. What Kind of Supportive Care Is Important for Mpox?
Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems. This includes:
- Taking care of the rash
- Managing pain
- Preventing complications
5.4. How Can the Mpox Vaccine Help?
Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis). It can also be administered after a person has been in contact with someone who has mpox (post-exposure prophylaxis).
5.5. Who Should Get the Mpox Vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for people at high-risk of getting mpox, especially during an outbreak. Groups that may be at high risk of mpox include:
- Health and care workers at risk of exposure
- People in the same household or close community as someone who has mpox, including children
- People who have multiple sex partners, including men who have sex with men
- Sex workers of any gender and their clients
5.6. When Should the Mpox Vaccine Be Administered After Exposure?
The vaccine should be given less than 4 days after contact with someone who has mpox. It can be given for up to 14 days if the person has not developed symptoms.
5.7. What Should People With HIV Do If They Contract Mpox?
Individuals with HIV and mpox should continue taking their antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART should be initiated within 7 days of diagnosis of HIV.
5.8. Where Can You Get Vaccinated Against Mpox?
Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out where you can get vaccinated against mpox.
Alt: Close-up of mpox vaccine vials, illustrating the availability of vaccines for prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis.
6. What Self-Care and Prevention Measures Should You Take?
Most people with mpox will recover within 2–4 weeks. Follow these steps to help your symptoms and prevent transmitting mpox to others:
6.1. What Should You Do If You Think You Have Mpox?
- Contact your healthcare provider for advice
- Stay at home and in your own, well-ventilated room if possible
- Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
- Wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
- Keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
- Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
- Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
- Take warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores
- Take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen
6.2. What Should You Avoid Doing If You Have Mpox?
- Do not pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body, and cause sores to become infected
- Do not shave areas with sores until scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body)
6.3. How Can You Prevent Spreading Mpox to Others?
People with mpox should isolate at home following guidance from their healthcare provider, or in hospital if needed, for the duration of the infectious period (from onset of symptoms until lesions have healed and scabs fall off). Covering lesions and wearing a well-fitting mask when in the presence of others may help prevent spread. Using condoms during sex will help reduce the risk of getting mpox but will not prevent spread from skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact. If having sex, use condoms as a precaution for 12 weeks (about 3 months) after you have recovered.
6.4. What Precautions Should You Take After Recovering From Mpox?
If having sex, use condoms as a precaution for 12 weeks (about 3 months) after you have recovered.
6.5. How Can Health Workers Protect Themselves?
Health workers should follow infection prevention and control measures to protect themselves while caring for patients with mpox by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. gloves, gown, eye protection, and respirator) and adhering to protocols for safely swabbing lesions for diagnostic testing and handling sharp objects such as needles.
6.6. How Long Should You Monitor for Symptoms After Contact With Someone With Mpox?
Those who have had contact with someone with mpox should monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days (3 weeks) and take precautions such as avoiding sexual activity during this period.
6.7. Are There Any Dietary Recommendations for People With Mpox?
While there are no specific dietary recommendations for mpox, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet to support your immune system. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to help your body recover.
6.8. How Important Is Mental Health During Mpox Isolation?
Mental health is very important during mpox isolation. Isolation can be challenging, so it’s essential to stay connected with friends and family, practice self-care, and seek mental health support if needed.
6.9. Can Pets Get Mpox?
Yes, animals can contract mpox from infected humans through close contact. If you have mpox, avoid close contact with your pets to prevent transmission.
6.10. Should Schools and Workplaces Take Special Precautions?
Schools and workplaces should follow guidance from local health authorities regarding mpox prevention and control measures. This may include promoting hygiene, providing information about mpox, and implementing measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
7. What Is the Global Situation With Mpox Outbreaks?
In May 2022, an outbreak of mpox appeared suddenly and rapidly spread across Europe, the Americas, and then all six WHO regions. Since 2022, there has also been an upsurge in mpox cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 120 countries have reported mpox between Jan 2022 – Aug 2024, with over 100,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported and over 220 deaths among confirmed cases.
7.1. What Caused the 2022 Global Mpox Outbreak?
The 2022 global outbreak has affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and has spread person-to-person through sexual networks.
7.2. Where Are Mpox Outbreaks Currently Occurring?
Outbreaks are currently occurring in various regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa. Clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa as of August 2024.
7.3. How Many Countries Have Reported Mpox Cases?
Over 120 countries have reported mpox cases between January 2022 and August 2024.
7.4. What Are the Latest WHO Recommendations for Mpox?
WHO works with Member States and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of mpox. This includes coordinating research on vaccines and treatments, strengthening country health systems, and working to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools.
7.5. What Is the WHO’s Role in Responding to Mpox Outbreaks?
WHO works with member states and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of mpox. This includes coordinating research on vaccines and treatments, strengthening country health systems, and working to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools.
7.6. How Is Mpox Surveillance Conducted Globally?
Global mpox surveillance is conducted through the collection and analysis of data on suspected and confirmed cases. This data is used to track the spread of the disease, identify risk factors, and inform public health interventions.
7.7. Are Travel Restrictions in Place Due to Mpox?
Travel restrictions related to mpox may be implemented based on the specific circumstances of an outbreak. It’s essential to stay informed about travel advisories and recommendations from health authorities.
8. Why Is It Important to Avoid Stigma and Discrimination Related to Mpox?
Stigma and discrimination for any disease are never acceptable. Stigma linked to mpox can undermine public health efforts or prolong a disease outbreak, as people may be more reluctant to come forward and seek care and treatment. For mpox, stigma, discrimination, and racism have been particularly directed against communities initially most affected by the disease, namely men who have sex with men, trans people, and gender diverse communities.
8.1. How Does Stigma Affect Public Health Efforts Related to Mpox?
Stigma can undermine public health efforts by making people reluctant to seek care and treatment. This can lead to further spread of the disease and make it more difficult to control outbreaks.
8.2. Which Communities Have Been Most Affected by Stigma Related to Mpox?
Stigma, discrimination, and racism have been particularly directed against communities initially most affected by the disease, namely men who have sex with men, trans people, and gender diverse communities.
8.3. How Can We Combat Stigma and Discrimination Related to Mpox?
To combat stigma and discrimination, it’s important to promote accurate information about mpox, challenge negative stereotypes, and create a supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by the disease.
8.4. What Language Should Be Used to Talk About Mpox?
Use respectful and inclusive language when talking about mpox. Avoid using stigmatizing terms and focus on providing accurate information about the disease.
8.5. What Is the Role of Media in Reducing Stigma?
The media plays a crucial role in reducing stigma by providing accurate and balanced coverage of mpox, avoiding sensationalism, and highlighting the experiences of those affected by the disease.
9. What Is WHO Doing to Respond to Mpox?
WHO works with Member States and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of mpox. This includes coordinating research on vaccines and treatments, strengthening country health systems, and working to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) twice, the first time in May 2022 and the second time in August 2024.
9.1. What Research Is WHO Coordinating on Mpox?
WHO is coordinating research on vaccines and treatments for mpox. This research aims to develop more effective ways to prevent and treat the disease.
9.2. How Is WHO Strengthening Country Health Systems to Respond to Mpox?
WHO is strengthening country health systems by providing technical assistance, training healthcare workers, and supporting the development of national mpox response plans.
9.3. How Is WHO Ensuring Equitable Access to Mpox Vaccines and Treatments?
WHO is working to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools for mpox. This includes advocating for fair pricing and distribution of these resources.
9.4. What Is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is a formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response.
9.5. How Does Declaring a PHEIC Help With Mpox Response?
Declaring a PHEIC helps to mobilize resources, coordinate international efforts, and raise awareness about the importance of responding to the mpox outbreak.
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