Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). In 2022–2023, a global outbreak of mpox was caused by the clade IIb strain. Mpox continues to be a threat today, and an upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries caused by clades Ia and Ib has raised concern. There are vaccines for mpox, and vaccination should be considered along with other public health interventions.
Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has mpox, contaminated materials, or infected animals. During pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus or newborn during or after birth. Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care, prevention of secondary infections, and treatment of co-infections, including HIV where present.
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick. The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).
Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household. People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of acquiring mpox. People can also contract mpox from contaminated objects, needle injuries in healthcare, or in community settings such as tattoo parlors. Animal-to-human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans through bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
Common symptoms of mpox include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The mpox rash often begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Some people may have one or a few skin lesions, while others have hundreds or more. Mpox can be fatal in some cases, especially in children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Identifying mpox can be difficult because other infections and conditions can look similar. The preferred laboratory test for mpox is detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain, and prevent complications. Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection, especially during an outbreak. Self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of mpox to others.
Mpox outbreaks have been reported in various countries, with the virus spreading rapidly across regions. Stigma and discrimination associated with mpox can undermine public health efforts and prolong disease outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) works with Member States and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of mpox, coordinating research on vaccines and treatments, strengthening country health systems, and facilitating equitable access to tools for prevention and treatment.
In conclusion, mpox is a serious viral illness that continues to pose a threat to global health. Understanding the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mpox is crucial in controlling outbreaks and protecting public health. Collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and international organizations is essential in addressing the challenges posed by mpox and ensuring effective responses to future outbreaks.
