What is monkeypox (mpox)?
The monkeypox or mpox outbreak, as it was recently renamed by The World Health Organization (WHO), is taking place throughout the United States and other countries worldwide. Mpox is an orthopoxvirus—a family of viruses that, in addition to smallpox and mpox, includes cowpox, horsepox, and camelpox.
According to the article “Mpox is a new global threat. African scientists know what the world is up against” published by Science.org, the virus received its name “after it was first identified in a colony of Asian monkeys in a Copenhagen, Denmark, laboratory in 1958, but it has only been isolated from a wild monkey—in Africa—once. It appears to be more common in squirrel, rat, and shrew species.” The first reported case of monkeypox in a human was recorded in 1970. Monkeypox has been most prevalent in Africa, but the 2022 outbreak demonstrates that the virus can spread well beyond that continent.
Although mpox is not often considered fatal, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that people with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 8, people with a history of eczema, and pregnant women or breastfeeding can become seriously ill.
Monkeypox (mpox) Transmission
Michael Blank, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Firelands, suggests, “monkeypox spreads through direct contact with body fluids or sores on the body of someone who has monkeypox, or with direct contact with materials that have touched body fluids or sores, such as clothing or linens. It may also spread through respiratory secretions when people have close, face-to-face contact.”
Mpox cases are prominent within the LGBTQ+ community, but according to an article produced by the Human Rights Foundation, it’s important to understand that anyone can contract the virus. The Human Rights Foundation article states, “While the current outbreak in the U.S. has high rates of known cases among gay and bisexual men and transgender and non-binary people, this virus is not limited by gender or sexuality and can spread to anyone, anywhere through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.”
mpox symptoms
If you’ve been infected with the virus that causes mpox, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle and/or backaches
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Swollen lymph nodes
“One of the most telltale symptoms of monkeypox is the development of a rash. The pus-filled lesions resemble pimples or blisters,” explained Dr. Blank. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including on the face, inside the mouth, and on the hands, feet, and chest. Given its appearance, monkeypox can be mistaken for smallpox. If the rash appears near the anus or genitals, it may be mistaken for a sexually transmitted disease.
How long do mpox symptoms last?
Some people do not report experiencing any of the flu-like symptoms listed above. Instead, they develop only the rash, similar to other viruses. Therefore, mpox symptoms will vary based on the individual’s immune system response.
On average, symptoms commence one to two weeks after exposure, and the virus leaves the body within approximately two to four weeks.
What to do if you think you have mpox
If you think you’ve come into contact with someone who has mpox, Dr. Blank suggests that you “contact your primary care provider or local health department to determine next steps one should take with regard to screening and testing.” If you don't have a primary care provider, check our Firelands Physician Group.
Avoid close contact with both humans and pets until you can be seen by your provider. Should you test positive for the disease, doctors recommend isolating until your rash has healed completely. If you must come into close contact with others, including pets, cover the rash with gauze/bandages and wear a mask. These precautions will prevent others from contracting the virus and, as well as prevent the virus from spreading.
Treatments for mpox
There is no known cure for mpox. However, most infections are mild and will heal with supportive care. Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms may wish to take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
It’s important to avoid picking at or scratching the rash, allowing it to spread and prolong the healing process. Topical ointments and oral antihistamines can provide temporary relief from itching. Soaking in a warm bath may also be helpful. The rash will scab over and go away on its own, but it does take time.
However, treatments are available to individuals who have tested positive for the disease if their symptoms range from moderate to severe. Your provider and the local health department would coordinate this if needed.
According to the CDC, vaccines are also available to individuals who are eligible to receive them. These vaccines—JYNNEOS and ACAM2000—"can prevent monkeypox in people who are exposed to the virus.” You can contact your local health department for eligibility requirements to receive the vaccine.
Additional notes: Monkeypox was recently renamed mpox by the WHO to avoid stigmatization with the word. For more information about this change check out the article at hpnonline.
