On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared monkeypox (Mpox) a public health emergency of international concern. For many, this may bring back memories of 4 years ago in March when the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic due to which the United States and the whole world went into lockdown. The impact of COVID on public health and the economy was enormous. Naturally, people may start to look at Mpox and wonder if it is the same as COVID-19? What is Mpox anyway? Can it spread quickly? If I contract it, what is the mortality rate? We will answer all of these questions in the article.
Origins:
Experts are unsure of the origin of the disease, but many assume it is from certain rodents and non-human primates.The first outbreak of Mpox occurred in 1958 when two outbreaks of a “pox-like disease” occurred in colonies of monkeys that were kept for research. The first human case of Mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (CDC).
What Exactly is Mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by an infection called the Monkeypox Virus. It is a zoonotic disease which means it can spread from animal to human. It often causes people infected with it to get various symptoms such as rashes. These rashes go through several stages before healing. It is found most commonly in Central and West Africa.
According to the CDC, there are two types of the monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa and is the more dangerous of the two. It causes more severe illness and has killed up to 10% of the people who have become infected. Clade II is endemic to West Africa and is less severe with more than 99.9% of people surviving. This was also the type that caused the global outbreak in 2022.
While rare, Monekypox can sometimes be fatal and as a result, it is important to understand how to protect yourself and when to seek medical help.
How Can one Transmit or Contract Mpox?
One can transmit or contract Mpox through contact with body parts. This contact could be face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-skin, etc. It can enter the body through broken skin, mucosal surfaces, or through the respiratory tract (WHO). It can also spread through animals such as through bites, animal skin used for cooking, or products made up of infected animals. People with multiple sex partners are at higher risk than those who do not.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms can appear between 1-21 days after exposure but usually begin within a week. Some of these symptoms are: fever, rash, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, etc. Usually the first symptoms are either fever, muscle aches, or a sore throat.
Many people soon start experiencing a rash. They first appear on the face, feet, hands, or, starting with the outbreak in 2022, the genital area, mouth, or throat. As stated before, these rashes go through stages, first they start with flat spots, then turn into blisters, then these blisters start to fill with pus. After about 2-4 weeks they scab over and begin to fall off (Mayo).
The rash looks very similar to those caused by chickenpox or herpes.
Mpox can be diagnosed by undergoing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects viral DNA in a sample. Swabs may be taken from a skin lesion or from your throat or rectum in the absence of skin lesions.
Prevention:
There are many ways to prevent yourself from getting sick:
- The first line of prevention is getting a vaccine. CDC recommends two doses of the Mpox vaccine for individuals who may have been exposed to Mbox or who are at risk of exposure, such as men who have sex with men, people with multiple sex partners, and sex workers. Vaccination taken after exposure is helpful in easing symptoms.
Note for California residents – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides a list of vaccination sites that are searchable by zip codes: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox/Mpox-Vaccination.aspx
- Avoid any close contact, such as skin-to-skin, with a person or animal with a rash that resembles that of Mpox.
- Avoid any items that have also come in contact with said person or animal.
- Make sure that individuals with Mpox are isolated.
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal products and parts.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Practice safe sex.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for an infected person.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you suspect you might have contracted Monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider, especially if you have fever with rash/sores and swollen lymph nodes.
Remember, most cases of Mpox can be managed by supportive care and pain relief, such as fever reduction, adequate hydration, skin care, and in some cases use of antiviral medications to alleviate acute symptoms.
However, it is recommended that you seek immediate emergency care if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Trouble breathing
- New or worsening chest pain
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Difficulty speaking or moving
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Make Sure You Are Healthy!
While there are treatments for Mpox after you get infected, it is best to practice preventative care. And if you are looking for a primary care doctor in Campbell, Los Gatos, or Saratoga, CA, Dr. Arun Villivalam is a concerned and caring family physician, primary care, and general physician. He offers physicals and exams for general well-being, sports physicals, as well as Medicare annual wellness checks.
Dr. V also helps his patients manage chronic diseases, provides blood work as needed, helps with stress management support, and specializes in men’s & women’s health & wellbeing. Feel free to contact his office at (408)-502-6040.