MPOX

Overview

The recent surge in cases of MPOX, commonly known as monkeypox, has prompted a global health emergency, drawing attention to the need for awareness and prevention strategies. Although MPOX has been known to science since the 1950s, the recent outbreaks in non-endemic regions have underscored its capacity to spread beyond traditional borders, posing a significant public health challenge.

The World Health Organization has officially renamed monkeypox as 'mpox', citing that the original name perpetuates "racist and stigmatizing language." The change, announced on Monday, marks a significant step toward reducing stigma, though it will take time for the new term to replace the decades-old name.

What is MPOX?

MPOX is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus that causes smallpox. The disease was first identified in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name "monkeypox." The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, during a period when smallpox was being eradicated.

Symptoms of MPOX

MPOX symptoms are similar to those of smallpox but are generally milder. After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, the disease typically begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Swelling of the lymph nodes, a distinguishing feature of MPOX, occurs before the appearance of the characteristic rash. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Lesions progress through stages—from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs—before falling off.

While the disease is usually self-limiting, lasting 2 to 4 weeks, severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Complications can include secondary bacterial infections, respiratory distress, and, in rare cases, death.

Causes of MPOX: Transmission and Spread

MPOX is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals, including rodents and primates. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person, or recently contaminated objects. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact.

The recent global outbreaks have highlighted the possibility of transmission through close contact during sexual activities, although MPOX is not considered a sexually transmitted infection in the traditional sense. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Prevention of MPOX

Given the current global emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidelines for preventing MPOX transmission. Key recommendations include:

- Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus, particularly in regions where MPOX is endemic.
- Practicing good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and gowns, when caring for infected individuals.
- Isolating infected individuals from others who are at risk of contracting the virus.
- Vaccination, where available, is also an effective preventive measure. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection against MPOX, and newer vaccines specifically designed for MPOX are being developed and deployed.

MPOX Outbreak

The resurgence of MPOX in regions outside Africa, particularly in Europe and North America, has led to heightened surveillance and public health interventions. The WHO has declared the current outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated global response.

Efforts are focused on containing the spread through rapid identification of cases, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns. Public awareness initiatives are also being ramped up to educate communities about the risks and prevention strategies. International collaboration is crucial to managing the outbreak, as the global nature of the virus requires a unified approach.

Treatment for MPOX

Treatment for most people with MPOX focuses on alleviating symptoms. This care includes managing skin damage from the MPOX rash, ensuring adequate hydration to prevent dehydration and keep stool soft, and addressing pain management.

MPOX is typically a self-limiting illness, meaning it generally resolves on its own without specific treatment, with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. After diagnosis, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition, help relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, and may administer antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections develop.

If you have MPOX, it’s important to isolate at home in a separate room from family members and pets until your rash and scabs fully heal. While there are no currently approved antiviral treatments specifically for MPOX, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral drugs like cidofovir or tecovirimat if your condition is severe. These medications are approved for treating other viral infections, such as smallpox, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness against MPOX.