Mpox Facts: What you should know about this contagious disease

Mpox, which was previously known as Monkeypox, has been declared as one of the world’s emerging infectious diseases.

The spread, symptoms and potential, impact on public health has generated massive concerns around Africa and world over.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had on Wednesday, August 14, declared the mpox, a public health emergency of international concern.

The disease which was discovered in Africa, has killed at least 450 people since when it was first broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Understanding what Mpox really is, is very crucial not only for medical professionals but for the general public as well.

In this article, Newsaccessng will take an in-depth look at what Mpox is, how it spreads, its symptoms, treatments, and ways to take preventative measures.

If you’re wondering how to stay informed and keep yourself safe from Mpox, you must keep reading.

Introduction to Mpox

Mpox is a rare contagious disease that primarily occurs in parts of Central and West Africa, but it has recently begun to spread to other countries.

According to research, the disease is zoonoticis which simply means it is transmitted from animals to humans.

However, once it is contracted, it can also spread between human to human, which has made it a significant public health concern.

History and origins of Mpox

Mpox was first discovered in the year 1958, when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research, hence the name “Monkeypox.”

Then in 1970, the first human case of Mpox was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a period of intensified efforts to eliminate smallpox.

Ever since then, cases of the disease has been reported in several African countries and, more recently, in non-endemic countries across the globe.

As with many zoonotic diseases, human interaction with wildlife and environmental changes may contribute to the spread.

Types (clade) of Mpox

There are two distinct clades of Mpox disease, which are named based on the regions where they are commonly found.

The two existing clades exhibit some differences in terms of transmission, severity, and geographic distribution.

1. Clade I formally known as Congo Basin or Central African Clade.

Clade I, formally known as the Congo Basin clade or the Central African clade, is found mainly in Central Africa, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Clade 1 is associated with more severe disease and higher mortality rates, reaching up to 10%. Human to human transmission is more common in this particular clade, making it a more significant public health concern in the regions where it is prevalent.

2. Clade II formally known as West African Clade

Clade II which was formally known as West African Clade is a clade of Mpox which is generally associated with milder symptoms and lower mortality rates.

It is predominant in some West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.

Human to human transmission has been documented, but clade II tends to occur less frequently than in the other clade.

The clade II form of Mpox typically leads to less severe cases and has a lower fatality rate, usually around 1% or less.

How does Mpox spread?

The transmission of Mpox primarily takes place when humans come in close contact with an infected animal, person, or contaminated materials.

Some household animal such as rodents and primates can carry the virus and spread it to humans through bites, scratches, or direct contact with bodily fluids.

Once a person is infected, the disease can spread from human to human via respiratory droplets, close skin-to-skin contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Does this sound similar to how other known contagious diseases spread? You’re right — Mpox spreads in such a way that reminds us of many other infectious diseases, making basic hygiene practices crucial for prevention.

What are the symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of Mpox usually surface between 7 to 14 days of exposure, in some cases, they can take as long as 21 days.

The initial symptoms of this disease come in form of flu, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

However, what makes Mpox unique is the development of a distinctive rash.

This rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body.

As days pass, the rash evolves into raised bumps filled with fluid, which eventually scab over before healing.

The above mentioned symptoms can last for two to four weeks, and while most people recover, some cases can be severe, especially in children and individuals with low immune systems.

Who are mostly at risk?

Certain populations are more vulnerable to Mpox.

Those who are mostly at risk include people who live in or travel to areas where Mpox is endemic, those with close contact with infected animals, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Public Health workers are also at risk due to potential exposure to infected patients.

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Public health organizations usually stress the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission.

Diagnosis of Mpox

Diagnosing Mpox can sometimes be tricky because its early symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, like chickenpox and measles.

However, healthcare workers can identify the disease through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing.

If Mpox is suspected, doctors will take a sample from the patient’s skin lesions or blood and send it to a specialized laboratory for testing. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing further spread.

Treatment Options for Mpox

There is currently no specific treatment for Mpox.

However, supportive care can help ease symptoms and manage complications.

Easing and managing complications might include hydration, pain relievers, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.

In some cases, antiviral drugs used to treat similar popular infections may be considered.

Additionally, the smallpox vaccine has being administered in some cases and has proven to provide some protection against Mpox, as the two viruses are closely related.

Prevention of Mpox

Prevention they say is better than cure, especially with diseases like Mpox.

Therefore, we will consider some key preventative measures:

• You must avoid contact with wild animals,particularly in countries where Mpox is prevalent.
• You should practice good hygiene, by always washing your hands and avoid touching your face.
• Health workers and those involved in treating or handling animals are particularly advised to use protective gears
• You should get vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine as it has been proven to help protect against Mpox.

Global Response to Mpox

The international community has responded to Mpox outbreaks by continuous sensitizing of citizens, increasing awareness, providing medical supplies, and supporting research into vaccines and treatments.

Two bodies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have setup guidelines for managing Mpox outbreaks and are working to contain its spread.

Some countries have also implemented travel restrictions, quarantines, and public health campaigns to educate people about the disease and reduce transmission.

Mpox’s similarities with other diseases

When the symptoms and how it spreads are compared to other diseases, Mpox shares similarities with smallpox, chickenpox, and measles.

However, Mpox is typically less severe and less contagious than the above mentioned diseases.

Understanding these differences is importanr for contextualizing the risk Mpox poses and how to respond to it effectively.

Mpox Vaccination

Vaccination has been proven as one of the most effective ways to prevent Mpox.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), JYNNEOS vaccines may be used to prevent Mpox,

JYNNEOS vaccine is licensed to prevent smallpox and mpox and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for certain people at risk for exposure to orthopoxvirus infections, including Mpox.

Conclusion

Mpox is a serious disease that requires human understanding and attention.

We can reduce the risk of Mpox and protect ourselves and our communities by staying informed, adhering to instructions, practicing prevention, and supporting global efforts to control the disease,