By Spy Uganda
Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is a rare infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. This virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox.
Mpox is mostly found in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa. Outside of Africa are usually linked to travellers who visit that region and spread the infection when they leave. Since May 2022, there has been the increased spread of mpox in many countries in Europe, North America and Africa.
You can catch mpox after having close contact with an infected person, infected animal, or materials contaminated with the virus.
Mpox is mainly spread through sexual activity, such as:
- direct skin-to-skin contact with infected rashes, sores, scabs or blisters, for example from touching or kissing
- contact with semen and other body fluids from a person with mpox
Mpox may also spread by:
- touching contaminated objects used by an infected person — such as bedding, towels or clothing
- extended face to face contact with a person with mpox, through coughing or sneezing, but this is rare
If you are pregnant, mpox can be passed from you to your baby through the placenta.
Animal-To-Person Spread
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, which means that this virus spreads between animals and humans.
Outside Africa, animal-to-human transmission is generally rare. In Africa, mpox may be found in some wild animals, such as rats or squirrels.
Mpox can spread from animals to people, through:
- bites and scratches
- contact with infected blood, fluids or the skin of the animal or its bedding
- eating or preparing meat from an infected animal
What are the symptoms of mpox?
The symptoms of mpox are usually mild and most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks. The risk of more severe symptoms is higher for infants, young children, people who are pregnant or people with reduced immunity.
You may be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms start.
Symptoms begin 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, and include:
- fever, headache, chills
- joint pains, backache, muscle aches
- swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands)
- extreme tiredness
- rashes, pimple-like lesions or sores
- ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth
- rectal pain (pain in and around the anus) which may occur without a rash
The mpox virus causes a specific type of rash, that sometimes looks similar to large chickenpox blisters. The rash usually develops 1 to 5 days after a fever and other non-rash symptoms.
I’m always impressed with how clearly you explain things—thank you.