Understanding Mpox: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Thursday regarding the potential detection of additional imported cases of mpox in Europe. This alert follows the report of Sweden’s first case linked to a more contagious and dangerous variant of the disease, which has already claimed at least 548 lives this year in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country hardest hit by this outbreak.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

The condition can lead to painful skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While most affected individuals recover fully, some may experience severe illness.

Transmission and Precautions

Mpox can be contracted by anyone and spreads through various means, including:

• Direct contact with infected individuals: This includes touching, kissing, or engaging in sexual activity.
• Contact with infected animals: This can happen during hunting, skinning, or cooking.
• Exposure to contaminated materials: This may involve items such as bedding, clothing, or needles.
• Vertical transmission: Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their unborn babies.

Individuals diagnosed with mpox should take the following precautions to prevent spreading the virus:

1. Notify close contacts: Inform anyone you have interacted with recently.
2. Isolate at home: Remain at home until all sores have scabbed over and new skin has formed.
3. Cover lesions and wear a mask: Ensure any lesions are covered and wear a well-fitted mask in the presence of others.
4. Avoid physical contact: Minimize close contact with others.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox generally manifest within one week of exposure but can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days later.

These symptoms typically last between 2 to 4 weeks, although they may persist longer for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Common symptoms include:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes

For some, the first indication of mpox may be the onset of a rash, while others might experience different symptoms first.

The rash often begins as a flat lesion that develops into a fluid-filled blister, which can be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry out, form scabs, and eventually fall off.

The rash may appear on various body parts, such as:

• Palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• Face, mouth, and throat
• Groin and genital region
• Anus

Some individuals may also experience painful swelling in the rectal area or have difficulty urinating.

Those infected with mpox are contagious and can transmit the disease to others until all sores have healed and new skin has regenerated.

Children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for complications related to mpox.

Treatment and Vaccination

The primary aim of mpox treatment is to address the skin rash, alleviate pain, and prevent complications.

Early treatment and proper support are crucial for managing symptoms and avoiding further issues.

Vaccination against mpox can help prevent infection. Ideally, the vaccine should be administered within 4 days of exposure to an infected person, but it remains effective for up to 14 days if no symptoms have developed.

High-risk groups are especially encouraged to get vaccinated during outbreaks, including:

• Healthcare workers exposed to the virus
• Men who have sex with men
• Individuals with multiple sexual partners
• Sex workers

People diagnosed with mpox should be isolated from others. Several antiviral medications, such as tecovirimat—which was originally developed for smallpox—are being used to treat mpox, and further research is ongoing. Additional information regarding mpox vaccination and case management is available.

Self-Care and Recovery

Most individuals with mpox will recover within 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate care and self-management.

Source: Defi Media