A viral infection similar to smallpox that causes flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, and rash) is called mpox. This condition is caused by a virus, and there is no available treatment, but it often disappears on its own. However, physicians often recommend getting vaccinated if you are at increased risk for mpox.
Furthermore, mpox occurs more frequently in certain parts of Africa, but outbreaks may happen in other parts of the world. The term “outbreak” means there is an increased number of cases of mpox (more than expected).
Types of Mpox
This viral infection has 2 subtypes. For example:
- Clade I – This is an endemic to Central Africa, and it tends to cause more serious symptoms than the second subtype. For instance, recent outbreaks of clade I were less deadly.
- Clade II – This is the second subtype of mpox, and it occurs more commonly in East Africa. However, there was a global outbreak of clade II mpox in 2022. Generally, this subtype is less likely to be fatal compared to clade I.
Outbreaks
The last outbreak in the United States was in 2003. About 50 people in 6 states were infected with mpox from the pet prairie dogs. Moreover, it has not spread from one person to another. The most recent outbreaks of mpox (clade I) were in Central and East Africa in 2023 and in multiple countries around the world in 2022. There were more than 102,000 reported cases of clade II mpox worldwide.
What Are The Symptoms of Mpox?
While some people with mpox have only one symptom, others may experience several of the following symptoms. Check some examples below:
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Rash and skin ulcers or blisters
If you or your child has any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Causes and Risk Factors
This infection occurs due to a virus called Orthopoxvirus monkeypox. In general, viruses are small pieces of genetic information in a protective coating. It is also a type of pox virus that belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus.
While anyone can develop mpox, physicians have identified some factors that can make you more prone to this viral infection. For instance, the global outbreak has happened in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the clade I outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has affected children aged 15 (more than 50% of cases). In the United States, you are at increased risk of mpox in the following cases. For example:
- Having sex with an infected person
- You have had sex at a sex club, bathhouse, or another commercial sex venue in the previous 6 months
- Have had sex at an event or location where mpox was spreading
- You have had sex with a partner who was in any of the previous situations
- Existing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV infection, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or chancroid.
- Have had sex with more than one person in the last 6 months
In addition, people with weakened immune systems (such as from HIV infection), a history of eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), pregnant women, and babies younger than 12 months of age can develop a more severe form of mpox.
How Do You Get Mpox?
Most of the time, the virus that causes mpox spreads in the following ways. For example:
- Direct contact with mpox sores or scabs (such as from an infected animal or person).
- Contact with saliva, respiratory secretions from the nose or mouth, blood, or other bodily fluids.
- Vertical transmission – It occurs when the virus spreads from a pregnant woman to the fetus during pregnancy or birth.
- Contact with materials, including bedding, clothing, and towels worn by an infected person.
Furthermore, the following situations may also spread mpox. For example, close contact with an infected person (including cuddling, kissing, or sex), skin-to-skin contact, sharing personal items (including towels, bedding, and even sex toys), scratches or bites from an infected animal, and eating the meat of an infected animal. For more details, discuss it with your physician.
What Are The Potential Complications of Mpox?
People who develop mpox and leave it untreated may also experience some complications. Check some examples below:
- Secondary bacterial infections – This is one of the most common complications that may cause abscesses, sepsis, or deep tissue damage.
- Eye damage – Sometimes, this viral infection may cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal ulcers, or scarring, which may lead to permanent loss of vision (blindness).
- Neurological problems – These include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis, or seizures.
- Respiratory issues – One of the most serious respiratory problems is pneumonia.
- Severe pain and gastrointestinal problems – Some people with mpox may also experience proctitis (rectal inflammation) and lesions in the mouth that often cause severe pain.
- Cardiac issues – For example, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and severe scarring.
People with weakened immune systems and a history of eczema are more likely to develop the previous complications. In any case, you can consult with your physician about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Mpox?
While one of the best options to prevent mpox is vaccination, you can consider the following steps to reduce the risk. For example:
- Avoid close contact in social situations (including parties, clubs, or raves)
- Do not touch mpox rashes, blisters, or scabs
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water
- Practice safe sex by using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity. It may also prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Wear protective equipment (including a mask and gloves) if you are close to an infected person
- Do not touch bedding and other materials that can be contaminated with mpox
- It is also recommended to cook all foods that contain meat at a proper temperature. Avoid undercooked or raw meat.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch frequently
Sometimes, people develop this viral infection, but do not know about it because it does not cause any symptoms. In this case, you can spread the virus to other people.
Diagnosis
This infection is often diagnosed by performing a physical examination and some tests. One of them is swabbing 2-3 sores for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Physicians may also perform blood tests to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms. You should inform your physician if you were exposed to mpox because there are other conditions that cause skin rash (including measles and chickenpox).
Treatment
In general, there are no specific medicines for mpox (such as antiviral medicines), but if you are very sick or pregnant, physicians may recommend some antiviral medications, including Tecovirimat, Cidofovir, or Brincidofovir. Moreover, some people may need vaccinia immune globulin (VIG-IV), which is a type of antibody treatment. In addition, the previous medications are approved for smallpox, but they can help relieve symptoms in those who suffer from mpox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you have mpox?
Most of the time, this condition disappears on its own without treatment. Sometimes, doctors may recommend regular checkups until the skin rash goes away.
Can you survive mpox?
While the clade II mpox is rarely fatal, the death (mortality) rate for clade I mpox is about 10%.
When should I go to the ER?
If you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER). These include:
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
- Severe pain
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
