Mpox on the rise, here's all you need to know

The World Health Organization recently declared mpox as a global public health emergency following a sharp surge in the number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other parts of the African subcontinent. Cases are also being reported from other countries, some of which do not have any previous occurrences of cases. There have been previous reports of outbreaks, but what’s of more concern this time around is the emergence of a new variant. According to the proceedings of the first meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024, “Clade Ib is a new strain of MPXV that emerged in the DRC is transmitting between people, presumed via sexual contact, which has been spreading in the eastern part of the country. Although first characterized in 2024, estimates suggest it emerged around September 2023”. 

So, what is Mpox?

Mpox (earlier known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Although all people including healthy individuals are at risk of contracting the virus, children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems are at risk for developing complications from mpox.

Signs and symptoms

As per World Health Organisation (WHO), Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

Common symptoms of mpox include rashes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. It’s important to know that these symptoms are common for other ailments as well. In case you suffer from any of these symptoms and suspect an infection, visit your nearest healthcare provider and seek medical intervention.

WHO says that for some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms. The rash begins as a flat sore which develops into a blister filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over and fall off. As per the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), people with mpox often get a rash that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. During the incubation period which is 3–17 days, this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.

Prevention

As per WHO, getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection. The vaccine should be given within 4 days of contact with someone who has mpox (or within 14 days if there are no symptoms). If infected, try and isolate yourself at home or a hospital. Prevention of the infection involves avoiding contact with infected persons; if contact is inevitable, wear a mask and other protective gear around infected persons.

Although adequate preventative measures can prevent the contraction of the disease, it is important to seek medical help if you suspect an infection.