What is monkeypox? | Transmission | Symptoms | Treatment

What is Mpox?

Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral infection caused by monkeypox virus. This virus belongs to the same family as that of smallpox “Orthopoxvirus”. It was first discovered in 1958 when monkeys were infected, which is kept for research and got its name “monkeypox”. In 1970, the first human case was reported in Africa.

There are two types of Mpox virus: Clade I (in central Africa) and Clade II (in west Africa). Clade IIb, a subtype of Clade II, causes the global outbreak (2022). In August 2024, Clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Mpox can spread in several ways:

Human to Human: Mpox can be spread when a person comes into close contact with the infected person. Close contact includes mouth-to-mouth(kissing), mouth-to-skin, skin-to-skin (touching or sex), face-to-face (talking or breathing).

Animal to Human: Mpox can be transmitted from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches or during activities like playing, or hunting.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Signs and symptoms of monkeypox may develop after 1 to 21 days after exposure and they typically last for 2-4 weeks. Common symptoms of monkeypox include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Back pain
• Muscle aches
• Headache

The rash is the first symptom of Mpox in most people which develops on the face and spreads over the body. It starts as red spots which turn into blisters filled with liquid that may be painful. As blisters heal, they form scabs and fall off.

Diagnosis of Monkeypox

Identifying Mpox can be difficult because other infections like chicken pox, measles, and bacterial skin infections look similar. To diagnose Mpox, the sample is taken from an open sore, and viral DNA is detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the laboratory.

Treatment of Monkeypox

Mpox usually gets better without treatment but your healthcare provider might prescribe some antivirals in severe cases. To treat Mpox you should take care of rashes, and manage pain to avoid further problems.

The Mpox vaccine is recommended for people which are at high risk of getting an infection, especially during an outbreak.