Mpox is a viral infection that comes under the Orthopoxvirus genus. This virus was earlier found mainly in the forests of Africa and spread mainly from animals to humans. But now it has started spreading through contact between humans also.
WHO (World Health Organization) changed its name from Monkeypox to Mpox to reduce the social discrimination associated with it.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms of Mpox develop within 5 to 21 days of infection. This infection spreads slowly in the body and symptoms appear in two main stages:
First stage (Initial Symptoms – 0 to 5 days )
- Fever (more than 38°C)
- severe headache
- muscle pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling of lymph nodes (lumps) (this differentiates it from chickenpox and other viral infections)
Second stage (Skin Rash Development – after 1 to 3 days)
- Rashes and pimples on the face, palms, feet, genitals and other parts of the body
- These rashes gradually turn into pimples
- Later these pimples burst and form scabs.
- It may take about 2 to 4 weeks to recover
How is mpox spread?
Monkeypox is spread mainly by contact between humans and animals and by coming in contact with an infected person.
Main reasons for spread of infection
- Coming in direct contact with an infected person (Skin-to-Skin Contact)
- Contact with infected animals (monkeys, squirrels, rats, etc.)
- Through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing)
- From infected surfaces and objects (clothing, bedding, towel, etc.)
- Infection from mother to child (Pregnancy Transmission)
Who can be most affected by Mpox?
Anyone can get Mpox, but some people are at higher risk
- People with weak immune system (HIV, cancer, diabetes patients)
- Small children and elderly
- Health workers (Doctors, Nurses)
- Family members of the infected person
How is Mpox diagnosed?
If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, contact a doctor immediately.
- PCR Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) – The most reliable test to confirm the virus
- Blood test – to identify antibodies to the virus in the body
- Lesion Swab Test – Sample is taken from the affected area of the skin and tested
Mpox treatment
No specific medicine has been made yet for Monkeypox, but its symptoms can be controlled.
Ways to reduce symptoms
- For fever and pain – medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- For skin rashes – antiseptic cream or calamine lotion
- For relief from itching – Anti-Allergy medicines
- Drink water and juice – keep the body hydrated
- Rest and isolate – maintain distance from others to avoid spreading the virus
How to avoid Mpox?
Take some important precautions to avoid Monkeypox
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Maintain distance from infected person
- Be careful of animals (especially wild animals)
- Do not touch infected objects (bed, towel, clothes etc.)
- Wear face mask and gloves
- Vaccination – Smallpox Vaccine can help prevent Mpox
Maths and facts about Mpox
- 🚫 Myth: Mpox spreads only in Africa.
- ✅ Fact: It has now spread to many countries.
- 🚫 Myth: Mpox is spread only by animals.
- ✅ Fact: It can also spread by coming in contact with an infected person.
- 🚫 Myth: There is no cure for Mpox.
- ✅ Fact: There is no specific medicine, but the symptoms can be controlled.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a serious viral infection that can spread from person to person. However, if we take precautions, this can be avoided.
The main symptoms of this disease include high fever, headache, muscle pain, swelling of lymph nodes and skin rash. As the infection progresses, these rashes turn into pimples.Which gradually dry up and form a scab and then get cured. Due to its contagious nature, this infection can spread rapidly, so timely identification and treatment is extremely important.
To prevent Mpox, we should maintain personal hygiene, maintain distance from infected persons and animals, and take advantage of the vaccine (where available). Smallpox Vaccine is considered effective against Mpox, so the risk can be reduced.