Mpox Virus Symptoms: The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared ‘mpox’ also known as ‘monkeypox’ as a global concern within two years. Different parts of the world are witnessing a rapid increase in mpox cases, with the strain being detected in multiple countries sequentially. The deadly disease has already caused at least 450 deaths in an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has since spread to regions in Central and East Africa. 

It is essential to recognise the signs and take precautions to control and lower the risk of this infection. According to WHO, mpox (monkeypox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two different clades exist: clade I and clade II.

Mpox Symptoms

Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. For some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms first. Symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system, as per WHO. 

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Common symptoms of mpox are:

  • rash
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • back pain
  • low energy
  • swollen lymph nodes

Transmission Of Mpox

Mpox Global Concern (Image Credits: Canva)

WHO states that person-to-person transmission of mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on genitals; this includes contact which is: 

  • face-to-face (talking or breathing)
  • skin-to-skin (touching or vaginal/anal sex)
  • mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
  • mouth-to-skin contact (oral sex or kissing the skin)
  • respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact

Mpox Prevention Tips

Identifying mpox infections is difficult as compared to other infections caused by such deadly viruses as the conditions may appear similar. But it is extremely important to distinguish mpox from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis and other sexually transmissible infections. Along with that, taking prevention tips can help in preventing the spread of this deadly virus infection. Some precautionary tips that you should follow include: 

  • stay home and in your room if possible
  • wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially before or after touching sores
  • wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
  • keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
  • avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently 
  • use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth

ALSO READ: Mpox Declared Global Public Health Emergency By WHO For A Second Time In Two Years; Here's Why

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)