What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monekypox, is a viral illness that can cause a range of symptoms, most notably a distinctive rash. It’s a relative of smallpox, but generally milder. While it’s been endemic in parts of Africa for decades, a global outbreak in 2022 brought it to worldwide attention.
What Does Mpox Look Like?
The hallmark sign of mpox is a rash that goes through several stages. It starts as flat, red lesions that turn into raised bumps, then painful blisters filled with pus. These blisters eventually scab over before healing. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, palms, and soles of the feet.
Other symptoms often include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
What cause or Transmission of Mpox?
Mpox spreads primarily through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. This can include direct contact with the rash, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets. It can also spread through contact with contaminated linens, clothing, or other objects. Less commonly, it can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
The main routes of transmission include:
Animal-to-Human Transmission: The virus can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. In Africa, rodents such as squirrels and rats are common reservoirs of the virus.
Human-to-Human Transmission: The virus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, especially during prolonged face-to-face contact. Additionally, it can be transmitted through contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.
Fomite Transmission: Contaminated surfaces and objects can also serve as transmission vectors, though this is less common compared to direct contact.
When do Mpox symptoms start?
Mpox presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 7 to 14 days.
The disease progresses through several stages:
Stage 1 or you can say – Prodromal Stage: Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. This stage can last for a few days.
Stage 2 or you can say – Eruptive Stage: Following the prodromal stage, a rash develops, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash goes through several phases, beginning as flat red spots (macules), which then evolve into raised bumps (papules), followed by fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), and eventually crust over. The rash typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Stage 3 or you can say – Resolution Stage: In most cases, the symptoms will resolve on their own without the need for specific antiviral treatment. However, the healing process can leave scars.
Mpox: How long does it last?
The illness usually lasts for two to four weeks. Most people recover fully without needing specific treatment. However, in some cases, the infection can be severe, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Mpox: Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing mpox can be challenging due to its similarity to other pox-like diseases such as smallpox and chickenpox. Laboratory tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis.
These may include:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests: PCR tests are used to detect the presence of the mpox virus DNA in lesions or other samples.
Serological Tests: These tests can detect antibodies against the mpox virus, indicating a recent or past infection.
Immunohistochemistry: This method uses specific antibodies to identify viral proteins in tissue samples.
Treatment for mpox is primarily supportive, aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral medications like tecovirimat, which is used for treating smallpox, may be considered in severe cases. Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide some level of protection against mpox, though it is not a substitute for mpox-specific vaccines.
Mpox: Prevention and Control
Preventing mpox involves a combination of personal hygiene, vaccination, and public health measures:
Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Individuals should avoid handling wild animals, particularly rodents, in areas where mpox is known to occur. Use protective clothing and gloves when dealing with potentially infected animals.
Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can reduce the risk of transmission. Avoid sharing personal items like clothing and bedding with infected individuals.
Isolate Infected Individuals: People with mpox should be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. Infected individuals should avoid close contact with others until all lesions have crusted over and are no longer infectious.
Vaccination: While routine vaccination for mpox is not commonly recommended, vaccination against smallpox has been shown to offer some protection. In outbreak situations, targeted vaccination campaigns may be implemented to control the spread.
Public Health Measures: Surveillance and monitoring of mpox cases help in early detection and response. Public health authorities may issue guidelines and advisories during outbreaks to inform the public about preventive measures and updates on the disease.
When did the Mpox vaccine come out?
While smallpox vaccines offer some protection against mpox, a specific mpox vaccine was not widely available during the initial stages of the 2022 outbreak. However, vaccines have since been developed and are being used to control the spread of the disease.
Which countries have Mpox?
Endemic Countries
1) Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC has historically been the most affected by mpox, with the highest number of cases reported. It is considered the primary reservoir of the virus.
2) Central African Republic
This country has experienced outbreaks and has reported cases of mpox over the years.
3) Cameroon
Mpox cases have been reported in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas where human-animal contact is more common.
4) Nigeria
Nigeria has had several outbreaks of mpox, with cases reported in different regions of the country.
5) Republic of the Congo
Mpox cases have been reported here, contributing to the regional presence of the disease.
6) Gabon
Gabon has experienced cases of mpox, with occasional outbreaks reported.
7) Sierra Leone
Mpox has been observed in Sierra Leone, though less frequently compared to other endemic countries.
8) Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
Cases of mpox have been recorded in Ivory Coast, with sporadic outbreaks occurring.
Non-Endemic Countries with Recent Cases
In recent years, the geographic range of mpox has expanded beyond its traditional endemic regions due to international travel and global outbreaks. Notable examples include:
1) United States
The U.S. has reported cases linked to international travel and, occasionally, localized outbreaks.
2) United Kingdom
There have been cases in the UK, often associated with travelers returning from endemic regions.
3) Canada
Canada has reported mpox cases, primarily linked to travel history or contact with infected individuals.
4) Australia
Australia has experienced isolated cases of mpox, typically connected to travel or imported cases.
5) European Countries (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Germany)
Several European countries have reported cases, especially in the context of global outbreaks and travel-associated cases.
Understanding the New Mpox Variant
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. Traditionally, mpox has been associated with less severe symptoms compared to smallpox. However, the emergence of a more dangerous variant has intensified global health concerns.
Characteristics of the New Variant
Increased Virulence: The new variant has shown an increased severity in clinical presentations, with reports of more severe symptoms and higher fatality rates. This variant appears to cause a faster progression of illness, leading to more severe outcomes.
Enhanced Transmission: Early studies suggest that this variant may have a higher transmission rate compared to previous strains. This could mean that it spreads more easily among humans, complicating containment efforts.
Mutation Insights: Genetic analysis of the new variant has identified mutations that affect the virus’s spike proteins, potentially making it more adept at evading the immune system and increasing its infectivity.
Recent Cases in Sweden and Pakistan
Sweden:
First Reported Case:
Sweden has confirmed its first case of the new mpox variant, marking a significant development as the disease previously had not been reported in the country.
Case Details: The patient, who had recently traveled from a region with reported cases, exhibited severe symptoms. Authorities are conducting contact tracing and implementing quarantine measures to prevent further spread.
Pakistan:
Initial Detection:
Pakistan has also reported its first case of the new mpox variant. This marks the first instance of mpox being identified in the country, raising concerns about the potential for an outbreak.
Current Measures: Pakistani health officials are monitoring the situation closely, including testing and isolating individuals who may have been exposed. They are also ramping up public health campaigns to educate people about the symptoms and prevention strategies.
